BARB Search & Rescue
BARB Search & Rescue, founded in 1992 as Burnham Area Rescue Boat, is an independent charity run by a dedicated team of local volunteers.
The Spirit of Lelaina III
The Light of Elizabeth III
The Memory of Doreen
IH-6 Open Hovercraft
Thanks to a generous legacy, BARB purchased three new state-of-the art IH6-Open hovercraft from Ivanoff Hovercraft AB.
These crafts became fully operational during 2025, adding to our life-saving capability.
Length: 5.44m
Width: 2.55m
Lift engine: 27hp
Thrust engine: 110hp
Fuel capacity: 70trs
Seating: 6 people
BARB Mobiles 01 & 02
We operate two Ford Rangers to tow our hovercraft to the beach, allowing us to launch at multiple points along the coastline. Both vehicles are fully equipped with everything needed for a safe and effective response, including winches, defibrillators, medical equipment, and all the necessary gear to launch our hovercraft.
Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost, 270 hp / 310 lb-ft torque
Towing Capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs when properly equipped
Fuel Efficiency: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
BARB Mobile 03
Our Ford Transit 290 Limited serves as a vital support vehicle, carrying additional equipment and crew to incident scenes along the coastline. Fully kitted out to support our rescue operations, it ensures we have everything we need on the ground when it matters most.
Make: Ford
Model: Transit 290 Limited LR Panel Van
Year: 2014
Gearbox: 6-speed Manual
BARB Mobile 04
Our Ford Transit 350 Leader acts as our contingency and command vehicle, playing a crucial role at incident scenes. It serves as an on-site base for coordinating searches, transporting crew to and from incidents, and providing essential support to our operational teams when and where it’s needed most.
Make: Ford
Model: Transit 350 Leader EcoBlue
Year: 2020
Top Speed: 99 mph
Gearbox: 6-speed Manual
IRB’s
Designed for swift water rescue operations, our inshore rescue boats are highly maneuverable and equipped to handle a variety of water-based emergencies, from swift currents to near-shore rescues.
Make: Arancia
Length: 3.88M
Beam / Width: 1.73M
Weight: Hull 44kg, Floor 24kg
INCASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 999 AND ASK FOR THE COASTGUARD
© 2026 BARB Search & Rescue Registered Charity No: 1031263