VISAR

VISAR Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is a non-profit volunteer, non-government organization, rel

VISAR was founded in 1988, at the request of the BVI Government and was modeled on the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the UK, the world's oldest lifeboat service. Like the RNLI and many other lifeboat services in Europe, it is an independent, volunteer-based organisation, funded almost entirely by charitable donations. Since its formation, VISAR has carried out well over 450 search

and rescue missions, helped more than 1,200 people in distress, and saved over 40 lives. In the first few months of 1988, a team of development advisors from the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office was sent out to the British Virgin Islands to make development recommendations to the Government of the BVI. One of their recommendations was that the Government invite the group of people running the informal SAR service to create an "autonomous, para-professional, dedicated volunteer maritime search and rescue service." VISAR’s function is simply stated – VISAR saves lives at sea.

August 2026 RoundupVISAR volunteers responded to 3 incidents across the territory last month. Our volunteer coordinators...
07/09/2026

August 2026 Roundup

VISAR volunteers responded to 3 incidents across the territory last month. Our volunteer coordinators also responded to 8 incidents on our emergency phone number - 767.

Breakdown of responses:
- Injury responses: 1
- Medical emergencies: 2

Incidents took place at Jost Van D**e and the Indians.

In August our President Gerard and Ops manager Phil attended a presentation by HMS Trent displaying their new drone technology and Ops manager Sophia attended a Women in Search and Rescue Workshop in the Netherlands.

This report reflects the ongoing commitment of our volunteer team to the mission of Saving Lives at Sea. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our community, and we are deeply grateful.

Big moves for VISAR and the BVI! 💙🌊​Our Operations Manager, Sophia Peppard, recently headed to the Netherlands for the 2...
04/09/2026

Big moves for VISAR and the BVI! 💙🌊
​Our Operations Manager, Sophia Peppard, recently headed to the Netherlands for the 2026 IMRF Women in Search and Rescue training, hosted by KNRM. She spent four days alongside 16 incredible women from 13 countries, diving deep into operational leadership, risk management, decision-making, and high-intensity exercises out on the water.

​Sophia summed up the experience best:
“This Woman in SAR workshop has been a unique and rewarding experience. Learning from women from around the world has given me insight into how I can continue to grow and develop my own skill set and be able to bring new and exciting ideas back home. Building relationships with women who share a passion for the sea, who have similar experiences in different environments creates a community of stronger empowered women!”
​
We’re beyond proud to have Sophia representing VISAR and the BVI on the world stage. She’s coming back with new skills, fresh perspectives, and strong connections that will benefit our entire team and the wider Caribbean SAR network.

​A huge thank you to International Maritime Rescue Federation - IMRF and the KNRM for putting together such an impactful program, and to all the women keeping our waters safe! ⚓

Read more about the training here: https://www.international-maritime-rescue.org/News/womeninsar-training-builds-leadership-and-connections

A Thank You That Means So Much ❤️At VISAR, our volunteers give their time to be there when people need help most. While ...
15/08/2026

A Thank You That Means So Much ❤️

At VISAR, our volunteers give their time to be there when people need help most. While our focus is always on the immediate emergency, it is incredibly meaningful when someone comes back to say thank you and support the work we do.

We were truly grateful to receive this generous donation from the Steyn family, who our crew recently assisted during a life threatening medical emergency.

Donations like this are more than financial support — they are a reminder of the impact our volunteers can have and the importance of being ready to answer the call, 24 hours a day.

Thank you for your generosity and for supporting VISAR’s mission of Saving Lives at Sea. ❤️

Address

Road Reef Marina, Road Town
Tortola
VG1110

Telephone

+12843454357

Website

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