Search and Rescue Unit Struggling

By Debbie Williams Reporter

It was just about a month ago all eyes were focused on Bayou La Batre and the search for four babies thrown from Dauphin Island Bridge. Among the 21 agencies helping in the search, South Baldwin Search and Rescue. Search and Rescue Unit Struggling

Published: Thu, February 14, 2008 - 4:54 pm Last Updated: Thu, February 14, 2008 - 6:25 pm

Debbie Williams

The Mobile County Sheriff's flotilla has received 185-thousand dollars from the county commission and generous donors because of their relentless search for four babies thrown from the Dauphin Island Bridge. But, other volunteer search and rescue groups that helped in the search have not been as fortunate and at least one of those units needs your help.
"It's heartbreaking the whole thing," says Bob Woodward, Captain of the South Baldwin Search and Rescue. He still thinks about those days on the Bayou. "None of us can fathom how or why it happened and we just want to bring closure."
So everyday, members of South Baldwin Search and Rescue were there, looking for four babies thrown from the Dauphin Island Bridge.
"That was a really sad moment for all of us when the first child was found," says volunteer Mary Emmett.
They wouldn't have been anywhere else, "First sign of trouble looking to see how we can help," says Emmett.
For three years South Baldwin Search and Rescue has traveled the waters from Fish River to Fort Morgan offering a helping hand. "We are a search and rescue unit not a search and recovery we will operate in the recovery when we have to we would rather get out there and help people in need," says Emmett.
Just having boats on the water makes folks in South Baldwin County feel a whole lot safer but it's a service that may be taken for granted according to Woodward. "The equipment, maintenance, the insurance, workman's comp, it all adds up."
Financially, like many volunteer groups, they are struggling. "The search like over in Bayou La Batre and fuel expenses get astronomical and side scan sonar helping recovery of people three thousand dollars," says Woodward.
Woodward says they survive on donations. "Hopefully we can keep the enthusiasm generated year round and not just because on one tragic instance and have search and rescue units and we all need every body's help."
Now they're the ones who need rescuing.
Here's your chance to help South Baldwin, North Baldwin and Daphne Search and Rescue. A fundraiser is scheduled for February 23rd, that's a week from Saturday, at the American Legion in Fairhope. There will be food, music and demonstrations. It gets started at noon and runs until 11 p.m.
Or you can make a donation directly to South Baldwin by sending your contribution to: South Baldwin Search and Rescue, P.O. Box 26, Magnolia Springs, AL 36555. For more information you can e-mail Mary Emmett at msemmett@gulftel.com.