In pictures: Cork search unit to open new clubhouse

A Cork search and recovery unit, which is celebrating more than four decades of volunteering, will this weekend host an open day to mark the opening of its new boathouse.

Founded in 1982, the Blackwater Sub Aqua Search and Recovery Unit has supported communities across Ireland for over four decades, contributing to more than 250 operations nationwide.

The unit consists entirely of trained volunteers who provide specialist underwater search capabilities, often working in challenging and sensitive circumstances alongside emergency services.

This Sunday afternoon, the members will hold an open day to celebrate the official opening of the unit’s new boathouse facility.

Club chairman and founder member Dave Carey said the day would give the volunteers of the unit a chance to say thanks to the public for its support.

“Basically, we’re a sub-aqua club that, over time, evolved into a search and recovery unit,” he said.

“We’ve been involved in an awful lot of recoveries over the years, and we’ve helped in a lot of tragic situations.

“The people have always been good to us and we’re looking forward to saying thanks, and to show people that the money they give us, that every penny of it goes into what we’re doing.”

He added that Sunday’s event promises an afternoon of family-friendly activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the volunteer team behind Blackwater Sub Aqua Search and Recovery unit.

Visitors will be able to enjoy boat rides on the river, explore the new facilities, and chat with members of the unit to learn more about their work in water-based search and recovery operations.

The day will also feature displays of diving equipment, sonar technology, and specialist gear used in real-life operations.

Water Safety Ireland will be in attendance, offering water safety advice and displays, and the Fire Brigade will perform a water demo.

A highlight of the open day will be a guest appearance from renowned cave diver Jim Warny.

BELGIUM

Born in Belgium in 1982, he began diving at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the technical and exploratory side of the sport.

Over the years, he has taken part in numerous international expeditions, pushing the limits of underwater cave exploration in countries such as France, Italy, and Mexico.

Since moving to Ireland in 2004, Mr Warny has become a central figure in the Irish cave diving community, particularly in the challenging cave systems of the Galway and Clare regions. His explorations have led to the discovery of several previously unexplored cave passages, including one of the longest underwater cave sections in Ireland, measuring 2.9 kilometres.

He is also widely recognised for his role in the dramatic Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand in 2018. As part of an elite team of international cave divers, he contributed to the complex and high-risk rescue operation that successfully brought a youth football team and their coach to safety from a flooded cave system.

The open day will offer the public a chance to meet Mr Warny, and gain insight into the world of cave diving and rescue operations.

The Blackwater Sub Aqua Search and Recovery Unit open day will be from midday to 3.30pm this Sunday, May 10, at the new boathouse on Rathealy Rd.