ABSAR is run by a group of volunteers with extensive medical, marine, aviation and firefighting backgrounds. We currently have a 28’ Protector RIB and a 27’ Revenger RIB for our rescues and event support. We coordinate search and rescues and medivacs using both fixed-wing and helicopters. We have a medic station based at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina in Falmouth Harbour which treats over 1000 medical cases each year. We have two Land Rover rescue vehicles that are used to treat and transport patients to the island’s main hospital and to other medical facilities on the island.

ABSAR works closely with our international Marine Rescue Coordination Center, located in Fort de France, Martinique (MRCCFF) which is responsible for the area surrounding Antigua and Barbuda. Thanks to our numerous volunteers, we provide 24 hour coverage, 365 days of the year. We work in close cooperation with the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force Coast Guard, Fire Department, Police Department and Emergency Medical Services. During 2021 ABSAR treated over 144 medical cases, provided assistance to over 510 walk-ins to our medic station and conducted 6 Search and Rescue assists.

ABSAR is run by a board of Directors and is headed by Paramedic and Firefighter Jonathan Cornelius. We have approximately 20 volunteers who dedicate their time to helping others… so that other’s may live!

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.