Channel Nine’s latest observational reality series, Search and Rescue, continues with real-life stories of drama, action, agony, ecstasy and fascinating operational procedure on Wednesday, June 4 at 8.00pm.

Search and Rescue follows the operations of the Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad, Water Police and Air Wing, three highly trained special units that spring into action when someone is lost, injured or stranded.

Search and Rescue provides viewers with action-driven, first-hand accounts of those who risk their own lives to save and protect others in the line of duty.

This episode is introduced by Cameron Tomlinson, who was rescued by the Search and Rescue Squad after a cliff collapsed and left him trapped under a pile of rubble and crumbling earth in 2001. It was the bravery and fast work of the Search and Rescue Squad that saved his life.

SAME MISTAKE, TWICE

A weather change on the bay has left a number of small boats struggling in the conditions. Earlier in the day, the Air Wing spent two hours searching for an 18-foot fishing boat with a flat battery. The boat was located and towed to safety but is now reported missing again. For the second time in the same day, the Water Police launch a full search for the same boat. Conditions are atrocious and the Water Police battle huge seas just to get to the search area. After an extensive search, the boat is again located but when the skipper makes it to land he has a different story to tell.

CHOPPER RETRIEVAL

A helicopter has crashed into a city river shortly after take-off. One person escaped the wreckage and police divers have recovered the body of the pilot. The task now is to retrieve the chopper so the ATSB (Air Traffic Safety Bureau) can begin their work. It’s important that the chopper is kept intact as much as possible so investigators can work out what went wrong. But there are many dangers to overcome before the submerged and damaged 800 kg helicopter can be lifted to the surface.

ELGAR PARK GUN SEARCH

The Search and Rescue Squad has been asked by detectives to locate a mobile phone and sawn-off shotgun used in a series of armed robberies. It’s a challenging assignment because information from a police informant indicates the evidence could have been thrown into a number of different creeks and waterways. Gathering evidence such as this is vital in criminal cases and the Search and Rescue unit is prepared to devote several days to the job. It becomes even more important when the suspect is given bail because the police believe he may return to the scene to retrieve the evidence.