SAR training and live maritime rescue exercise in Senegal
About the training and exercise
From 6 to 12 October 2026, the Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS), in partnership with the Maritime Search and Rescue Council (MSARC), delivered capacity-building training in Dakar for Senegalese stakeholders involved in search and rescue (SAR) operations. Participants included MRCC staff, navy personnel, fire and emergency services, police officers and Red Cross volunteers.
The programme began with sessions on SAR best practice, coordination, legal frameworks and technical aspects, preparing participants for the final phase: a live mass rescue exercise simulating a maritime migration incident near the Port of Dakar.
The exercise integrated both offshore and onshore components, following the complete sequence from receiving persons rescued at sea through their handover to emergency responders on land. Five vessels were mobilized, including an oil tanker provided by ELTON OIL COMPANY SA, a Senegalese Navyship, three vessels from Brigade National des Sapeurs Pompiers, Police and Gendarmerie. Red Cross volunteers participated as simulated casualties, who received medical attention from emergency personnel once back on shore. The drill concluded successfully and strengthens local preparedness for similar incidents along maritime migration routes.
The training marks a further step towards local cooperation among the diverse stakeholders working to protect lives at sea along the North West African Atlantic migration corridor.
About the training and exercise
From 6 to 12 October 2026, the Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS), in partnership with the Maritime Search and Rescue Council (MSARC), delivered capacity-building training in Dakar for Senegalese stakeholders involved in search and rescue (SAR) operations. Participants included MRCC staff, navy personnel, fire and emergency services, police officers and Red Cross volunteers.
The programme began with sessions on SAR best practice, coordination, legal frameworks and technical aspects, preparing participants for the final phase: a live mass rescue exercise simulating a maritime migration incident near the Port of Dakar.
The exercise integrated both offshore and onshore components, following the complete sequence from receiving persons rescued at sea through their handover to emergency responders on land. Five vessels were mobilized, including an oil tanker provided by ELTON OIL COMPANY SA, a Senegalese Navyship, three vessels from Brigade National des Sapeurs Pompiers, Police and Gendarmerie. Red Cross volunteers participated as simulated casualties, who received medical attention from emergency personnel once back on shore. The drill concluded successfully and strengthens local preparedness for similar incidents along maritime migration routes.
The training marks a further step towards local cooperation among the diverse stakeholders working to protect lives at sea along the North West African Atlantic migration corridor.