About MIRO
History
Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) was first formed in July of 2005 when it became apparent that there was a real need for a dedicated rescue service to cover Findhorn bay and its approaches. The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) subsequently agreed with the need for a dedicated rescue service and tasked MIRO to cover not only Findhorn bay and its approaches but also the inshore waters of the Moray Firth between Burghead and Nairn.
In August 2005 MIRO launched its first boat, a 5.8m Humber Destroyer. The launch of the Glyn Whitehead was made possible by the tireless efforts of members of the original committee to raise the funds required to purchase the boat and equipment. The boat was named after a Findhorn sailor who tragically lost his life at sea in 2003
In August 2007 MIRO was named by the MCA as a declared facility and began operating its fully dedicated service with volunteers on call 24/7. MIRO is manned entirely by volunteers who give up their time to train, raise funds and save lives.
In 2013, supported by generous funding from the Budge Trust, MIRO purchased another boat to replace the first one. This boat was launched by Mrs. Lorraine Budge at Findhorn Marina and was named 'Glyn Whitehead II'.
A third boat was launched on 2nd November 2019. The purchase of `Glyn Whitehead III` was made possible due to support from many local organisations, individuals, trusts, and the Department of Transport.
Following the major fundraising effort for the purchase of the new boat, work is ongoing to improve the equipment available for the crew and on the boat to ensure we provide the best possible resources for the volunteers who go to the assistance of those in distress.
Tasking
From its base at Findhorn Boatyard and Marina, MIRO operates a Category C Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB). MIRO is tasked by the MCA to respond to incidents within Findhorn bay and its approaches and also the inshore waters of the Moray Firth between Burghead and Nairn. Inshore waters are defined as up to 3 miles offshore. As part of the UK Search and Rescue (SAR) network, it is MIRO's task to work alongside the RNLI and MCA.
As a declared asset MIRO is required to keep the local coastguard control center at Aberdeen updated with the current position and status of the boat. This is particularly important during training sessions when Aberdeen Coastguard receive regular status reports.
