A NEW Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) will be set up in Clydebank later this year, it has been confirmed. 

The team will be based in the town and will respond to water incidents and emergencies on the River Clyde. 

It will be made up of fully trained volunteers and can be mobilised to support partner agencies inland with any "qualifying incident". 

What incidents will CRTs respond to?

  • Persons in the water
  • Flooding incidents
  • Trapped persons 
  • Concern for persons
  • Missing persons
  • Vessels in distress
  • Ordnance washed up 
  • Helicopter operations

Members of the new Clydebank team will be trained by a complement of full-time officers at His Majesty's Coastguard.

They will complete a variety of training modules including subjects like water rescue, mud rescue, casualty care, search training, and helicopter operations.

The Clyde is currently covered by CRT members based in Greenock and Helensburgh.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard are delighted to share that later in 2023 we will have the establishment of a new Coastguard Rescue Team based in Clydebank. 

"Our personnel come from all walks of life including other emergency services, government agencies, council, retail industry, NHS, marine industry, private & commercial industry. 

"More information will be published in the coming weeks." 

Further information on the work of HM Coastguard can be found HERE.