ABSAR Antigua Barbuda Search and Rescue

ABSAR History

The creation of Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) occurred as a result of an unsuccessful search and rescue in June, 1997. Antiguan Olympian Inigo Ross and international triathlete and adventurer Dina Bilbao were sailing a Hobie Cat from Grenada back to Antigua when they experienced equipment failure in between St Vincent and St Lucia. They were able to call 911 on their cell phone and a maritime search was initiated that afternoon. The following morning several aircraft flew down from Antigua to conduct an aerial search and rescue operation. After four days, the search was called off and all assets returned to base.

After this very disappointing search and a long flight back to Antigua, pilot, Julie Harvey came to the realization that a proper Search and Rescue organization was much needed, and she decided to pursue this idea. With a great deal of community support, funds were raised and meetings were held to begin organizing the considerable number of interested volunteers who were able to utilize the substantial maritime and aerial assets positioned here in Antigua. Lawyer, John Fuller, agreed to take on all of the legal aspects of the organization, while doctor, Nick Fuller and others donated a dinghy and engine to be used for our first raffle to raise funds.

  • One of the most dedicated volunteers during ABSAR’s first year was paramedic, Jonathan Cornelius. Jonathan had been instrumental in creating the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services department. He also had initiated the on-the-water presence of medical personnel during Antigua Sailing Week and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. When Julie decided to return to the United States to continue her education in 2000, she turned the operations of ABSAR over to Jonathan to continue ABSAR’s development.

    ABSAR Timeline:
    1997 Unsuccessful search and rescue leading to ABSAR’s creation
    1998 Legal documentation created and ABSAR holds its first fundraiserv 2000 Jonathan Cornelius takes over leadership of the organization
    2003 Alex Portman donates ABSAR’s first rescue vehicle, our 27’ Revenger RIB (R1)
    2006 Carlo Falcone offers discounted rent for our current Medic Station/office
    2008 Private donation of our modified Land Rover Discovery ambulance vehicle (ERV)
    2010 Antigua Yacht Club offers space for our current storage shed
    2012 Through numerous donors, we acquired our 28’ Protector RIB (R2) after the London Olympics
    2013 North Sound Marina offers space to base R1 for operations on the north side and around Barbuda
    2015 Premier Motors and others donate our Fire Rescue Vehicle (FRV)
    2016 Mill Reef Fund donates our second Land Rover response vehicle (PRV)
    2017 Jumby Bay Fund agrees to donate funds to cover all of our fuel expenses on an annual basis.
    ABSAR coordinates over US$492,000.00 of donations for hurricane relief efforts following Hurricanes Irma and Maria (for Barbuda and Dominica)
    2021 With a large number of new volunteers from the Jolly Harbour area and space donated by the Jolly Harbour Marina, ABSAR opens its new Jolly Harbour base
    2022 R1 will be relocated to our new Jolly Harbour base

    To be response ready, all of ABSAR’s rescue vehicles require periodic overhauls and upgrades. In order to conduct operations in the safest and most effective way possible, the organization needs state of the art equipment. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and our members on an annual basis. ABSAR receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations and on our annual membership program.

    The ABSAR Medic Station is located at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort. ABSAR treats a variety of injuries and complaints and works in cooperation and consultation with many of the doctors on the island. During the busy season, we have a steady flow of patients seeking assistance. ABSAR continues to provide emergency medical and rescue services for the Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Regattas and the many other sailing, boating and swimming events which now take place in Antigua and Barbuda. Along with the Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard and MRCCFF, our regional marine rescue center, ABSAR is on-call 24-7 to assist with search and rescues missions on and around Antigua and Barbuda ……so that others may live.

    Back to about us

Antigua & Barbuda Search and Rescue
So That Others May Live...

Make a Donation