A new member for rescue unit

12:23pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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MEMBERS of the Tewkes-bury-based Severn Unit Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) have a new colleague who will assist them in their emergency training.

The unit were joined by Bosun Green', a dummy made from buoyant materials, who was used in an exercise for the first time last week.

The dummy officer, whose name comes from the colour of his clothing, was made by head of unit Nic Price and publicity officer Sue Yates and was dropped into the river near Avon Lock.

The unit members then received the emergency' call, and rushed to the scene to locate the casualty and safely retrieve him.

Severn Unit MVS head of unit Nic Price came up with the idea. He said: "Bosun Green may have looked a rather odd character but he floated extremely well and was very realistic and will be a valued member of the unit."

Petty Officer Jane Thomas from Twyning was among those first on the scene and described what she saw.

"We were most surprised to find who was floating in the river as this had been kept a secret but we duly got the casualty aboard and we are sure that Bosun Green will be so useful for our training throughout the summer."

The unit meets every Monday evening, usually at Tewkesbury Marina, through-out the summer months.