Greece, 2016

GlobalFire has partnered with Vancouver Search and Rescue to provide two 3-week rotations of the most highly skilled rescue boat operators and rescue swimmers that exist in Canada while they conduct training for international boat rescue groups stationed on the Greek island of Lesvos.

In addition to providing rescue equipment and training, these GlobalFire members are also manning night time lookout stations, performing shore-based coastal patrols and conducting maritime patrols in the Aegean Sea, all in an effort to save the lives of thousands of migrants who attempt the hazardous water crossing from Turkey into Greece. Last year 3,771 people were confirmed to have drowned making the crossing. So far this year the number of drowning deaths is confirmed at 716 .

A massive effort is underway to save lives. GlobalFire is proud to stand at the very heart of this effort.