A Moira-based Emergency Response & Search and Rescue charity who work tirelessly to “bring closure in the most stressful of times” are calling for public support to make their vital services more efficient.
Skywatch NI have been in existence since 2009 but only became independent in Northern Ireland six years ago.
A team of 14 dedicated volunteers – all who have day jobs – work alongside emergency services, statutory agencies and other voluntary organisations to assist in searches for vulnerable missing people and environmental incidents, such as wildland fires, floods, other adverse weather conditions and HAZMAT situations.
Despite everything they have seen and done, the last six months has regrettably proved incredibly challenging.
In November 2025, the squad were called to take part in underwater searches along the River Bann for missing Portadown man, Andrew Robinson.
It was a gruelling six week operation that saw a multi-agency approach and countless community-based volunteers descend on the scene to offer their services.
On December 27, the efforts drew to a devastating end when Andrew’s body was recovered.
And while this was a heart-breaking result for all involved, his family were afforded the all important closure and opportunity to bury their beloved.
Speaking to Armagh I, Chairman and Chief Pilot, Paul Trimble explained that in the days that followed, they had yet more calls for assistance: “From December through to the end of February, everyone in the search and rescue world couldn’t understand what was going on.
“Three people were sadly recovered in the Lagan, all within the space of 24 hours.
On February 21, the team were also called to provide assistance at a fatal road traffic collision on the Moy Road outside Armagh that tragically claimed the lives of three people; 48-year-old John Guy from Keady, 31-year-old Conor Quinn from Coalisland and 23-year-old Laura Hoy‑Henry from Cookstown.
There they were called to provide specialist support to emergency crews in the search for potential survivors.
And while their work can often be challenging resulting in the worst possible outcome for friends and family of those reported missing, so too, do they contribute to bringing home the best news imaginable… when they locate a missing person alive and well.
Over the course of the year, Paul explains there is also “constant animal work” that includes looking for dogs – and even a wallaby – or anything that might get close to a major motorway!
They also manage the helicopter landing sites for helicopter support at major incidents.
Sadly, in the last number of weeks they have already been heavily engaged in tackling the dreaded wildfire season.
Now, that things are thankfully under control, the team will also be laying out their strategy to provide lost children and public safety support – which has to legally be provided for all major public events – for the July 13 celebrations in Scarva.
All of their work includes using high-tech, specialist equipment from drones to underwater sonar technology.
And while the technology is impressive, it can always be improved… and with the improvement comes efficiency that should result in the crews reaching vulnerable people faster!
A few grants have come in from the National Lottery to allow them to purchase improved underwater search equipment, that Paul says is badly needed.
Currently among their arsenal are a number of four-by-four trucks, an amphibian eight-wheel drive Argocat – that can go handle all terrain – and a number of £30,000 drones that Paul says are “out of this world”.
However, with grants, the spend must be outlined in advance of the payment and then the money must be used to buy that exact equipment.
Cashflow therefore often remains problematic. As he explains, “there’s still electric, fuel, overheads and we need ‘free cash’ so to speak, to make sure those things are covered.”
Reassuringly, Paul says all funds for the organisation go through him and every penny is “squeezed and squeezed again”!
The organisation is run entirely by volunteers and they are always keen to recruit fresh hands across a variety of roles. Paul says the only requirements are “common sense and commitment”, there is something for anyone if they should wish to help.
A description of their current Crowdfunding appeal reads: “We’re raising money to ensure our volunteers can respond safely and effectively as climate‑related emergencies increase in frequency and severity.
“Currently Skywatch NI only has the resources to fund essential PPE for volunteers and these individuals must fund their remaining equipment and clothing when joining the organisation.
“Current high fuel costs also limit Skywatch’s ability to deploy multiple response vehicles, slowing down searches when time is critical. This funding will remove the financial barriers of entry that volunteers currently experience, especially with the ongoing cost of living crisis.”
This funding will allow the team to provide essential new all‑weather kit so volunteers can operate safely in harsh conditions, cover fuel for emergency callouts, ensuring we can deploy multi‑vehicle teams across Northern Ireland and introduce a support van to transport and launch our USV during water‑based and flood‑related incidents.
If you would be interested in volunteering with Skywatch NI please contact Elizabeth via office@skywatchni.com.
To make a contribution to Skywatch NI’s fundraising appeal please click here.
