SEVERN Area Rescue Association (SARA) at Beachley has received a donation of defibrillators and played an important role searching for missing persons.

Crews were called by the coastguard to search for a missing person believed to be in the estuary near Oldbury. As the search progressed, the person was found safe and well on dry land and the boats were stood down.

Later the same day crews assisted Gloucestershire Police with a search for a missing person near Gloucester. The operation continued until Sunday alongside Longtown Mountain Rescue Team and the Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA South Wales).

The arrival of three portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was greatly appreciated.

Mervyn Fleming, commander at SARA’s Beachley and Newport lifeboat and rescue stations, said: “As a charity SARA depends on donations. We are extremely grateful to our colleagues in the Fire and Rescue Service for this equipment which will help us to save lives on the estuary, rivers and in the community.”