Specialized equipment was launched by the voluntary association St John Ambulance & Rescue, with which it will be possible to carry out search and rescue in the sea, with more speed and efficiency. This is through funds allocated by the Voluntary Organizations Project Scheme (VOPS) administered by the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector within the Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering.
This specialized equipment consists of a vehicle called an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), a multifunctional drone and even scooters specially designed to be used underwater. These will be complementing other St John Ambulance & Rescue vehicles, some of which were also part of projects funded by the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector schemes over the past years.
During a visit made by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia Portelli, where she was accompanied by the Brigadier of the Armed Forces of Malta Clinton J. Neill and the Deputy Commissioner of St. John Rescue Corps Christopher Borg Cardona, it was explained that as part of their operation the association provides rescue services to the Department of Civil Protection where they have vehicles, boats and other equipment with which trained volunteers assist in emergencies and in maintaining public security during national events both on land and at sea. Therefore this equipment is of great importance during the performance of these duties in the indispensable work they do in society.
Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli said that during this year, the Government’s work will continue to put volunteering at the forefront of the agenda. She reiterated that such schemes are leaving tangible wealth in the community and committed to continue strengthening them.
The Chief Executive of the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector, Mauro Pace Parascandalo said that in this case, through the VOPS scheme they are continuing to improve the services offered by associations such as St. John Rescue Corps. On behalf of the Council he thanked the association for all the work they do, including in emergencies and rescues where accidents or even tragedies are avoided with their work.
Photos: MIV
