18th Tuesday

UPDATE: 2300 EDT

David Gimelfarb, an American from Chicago traveled to Costa Rica last week to explore the volcanic region within the Rincon de Veija National Park in Guanecaste.  He has since been missing and was last seen entering the park on August 11, 2009 around 10:00 AM by the park ranger.

The local authorities launched a search enlisting the help of Liberian Red Cross. The search efforts have been impeded by rains, dense vegetation and sheer expanse of the park.  Hopes of finding David are diminishing with each passing day; the search needs to be augmented by more suitable equipment suited to such a terrain.

Rescue Global received a request via former United States Secret Service – Special Agent, Scott Alswang, this was passed to our command centre in New York who agreed a response was possible.

At 01:40 hrs on 18th of August, Rescue Global was officially asked to deploy, by the missing young mans family are now in Costa Rica.

1 Team Leader and 1 SAR – Search and Rescue Operative are currently on route to Costa Rica, they will join 2 Pilots and 2 Medics to form the complete Rescue Global team who will:

  • Ensure and lead the team delivering effective multi-agency relationships (Embassy, Military, Red Cross, Local Police, Local Rangers, Task Force Bravo Air Assets, Rescue Global Air Assets)
  • Risk asses the operational phases of the missions, and provide ongoing watch on safety / welfare aspects
  • Co ordinate the ground search efforts
  • Conduct airborne (helicopter) Search and Rescue activities
  • Provide support to the family

Rescue Global established a 24 hour GOLD COMMAND Centre in London to co ordinate the mission deployment.

Rescue Global is a not-for-profit organization (registered in the UK, registration number: 6857356) which is independent, and neutral providing an immediate international rescue service for victims of disaster worldwide, regardless of race, politics or religion.

A further update will be issued at 12 noon GMT Wednesday 19 August 2009. This will provide further information on the SAR teams arrival and first actions in Costa Rica.

Press enquires should be directed to: media@rescueglobal.org

Rescue Global