On Monday 15 September 2025, the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service joined other emergency service teams from HM Coastguard and Devon and Cornwall Police to carry out a large-scale missing persons search exercise on the islands.
The training scenario, organised by Matt Rogers, Senior Coastal Operations Officer for HM Coastguard, was designed to test procedures and strengthen multi-agency coordination in the search for a vulnerable missing person. Matt made sure there were plenty of elements to test how multi-agency collaboration would work in a real-world scenario, commenting: “We have clear procedures for carrying out a search for a missing person, but there is no substitute for a live training exercise to put these into practice.”
Under Police direction, HM Coastguard coordinated the combined resources of the attending organisations to conduct a methodical search across the islands. During the exercise, search teams located items of the missing person’s property, allowing efforts to be focused on a specific area. Crews initially operated from St Mary’s Fire Station, before relocating to a mobile command post at the top of the Garrison. This provided an opportunity to test the Fire & Rescue Service’s portable satellite and WiFi communications system, in support of the Coastguard’s search programme.
As a result of the coordinated effort, the missing person was found at Morning Point in a remote area, away from the main footpath. After receiving first aid for a minor injury, they were escorted back to safety.
Police Sergeant Al Jordan highlighted the importance of live multi-agency exercises on the islands, stating: “In our remote setting, the ability to pool the resources of the emergency services is essential. This exercise demonstrated how our strong working relationships enable us to deliver a timely and successful outcome. Had this been a real incident, I’m confident the result would have been equally positive.”
In addition to testing practical search techniques and procedures, the exercise validated the use of specialist equipment and communications systems.
Kevin James, Station Manager, Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service added: “The opportunity to set up and test equipment in a realistic scenario builds confidence and familiarity with tools that may otherwise be used infrequently. Access to real-time data over the internet and radio communications enabled an informed and coordinated search. Working closely across emergency service disciplines benefits us all.”
The entire exercise was completed in under 3 hours, though learning will continue through the debrief process. The participating teams will use the outcomes to further refine their plans and ensure even greater effectiveness in future operations.
Image 1: Players from the attending agencies being briefed and tasked following the receipt of new information
Image 2: Representatives from the attending emergency services using our Fire and Rescue Service satellite communications system to achieve remote coordination.
Image 3: The multi-agency teams located the missing person within 3 hours