Blog: Laura Shearer, Ascension Island Sea and Land Rescue, Ascension Island

In 2024, Laura Shearer from Ascension Island Sea and Land Rescue was named the runner-up for the prestigious #WomenInSAR Award, recognising her significant contributions to SAR in one of the most remote locations on the planet. 

Reflecting on this achievement, Laura described it as "surreal" to be nominated among so many incredible women in SAR. "I felt like I was just doing my part," she said. "The Ascension Island Sea and Land Rescue service is important to our island as we are incredibly remote, and the ocean and lava-flows feature in our daily lives. SAR is vital in protecting public safety, particularly with limited communications. It is an honour to have the work of our team recognised at this international level, and I am proud of everyone in our crew who has moulded me into the Team Leader that I am." 

As the first female sea and land rescue volunteer on Ascension Island, Laura’s recognition is not just personal but also symbolic of progress. "This award has mostly been recognised by younger people in the community, with teenage girls commenting that they can do anything they put their mind to, and that’s a real privilege." 

Since joining the team in 2021, Laura has quickly advanced through the ranks, qualifying as a coxswain and being elected as Crew Leader within the same year. Her background in powerboating, gained through seabird research, gave her unexpected confidence in handling small boats and close manoeuvres. "Once I joined Sea and Land Rescue, it became a real passion for me, and I took to it like a duck to water." 

One of the most striking rescues Laura recalls involved a call-out to two people stranded on a rescue buoy in poor sea conditions. "We had no further information; however, I had been SCUBA diving in the area two days before and had a close call with a particularly friendly shark. We have had several other shark-related incidents in this bay, so this was at the forefront of our minds as we travelled to the scene. I remember looking at my two colleagues, and I had complete confidence that whatever the situation, we would handle it and provide a good outcome. Strangely, I didn’t feel scared, I just felt prepared." 

Later that same day, she was called to lead a land rescue in an area she knew well from her seabird research. "This time, I led the search, driving off-road to where I suspected the group of hikers would be. I located them with relative ease because of my knowledge and experience of the site." 

Despite her success, Laura faced challenges, particularly in earning the respect of local fishermen. "Some weren’t entirely convinced by me leading the sea rescue team, but after four years as a volunteer, they now very much respect my abilities." 

Laura’s influence has encouraged other women to join Ascension Island Sea and Land Rescue. "Other female volunteers have joined directly because of my influence, and that’s great to see. Women tend to doubt themselves more than men, and I think seeing other women in this position helps to change that mindset." 

In August 2024, she participated in the IMRF’s #WomenInSAR Training "It was an amazing chance to meet like-minded people, train in new waters, and discuss SAR techniques. I was so proud to represent Ascension and eager to test my skills in unfamiliar boats, surroundings, and with unfamiliar crews. It showed me that I am more competent than I give myself credit for, and that was absolutely wonderful." 

Laura hopes to continue developing her skills and mentoring new recruits. "I know it can be overwhelming when there is so much going on, but I believe I have the time and patience to allow new volunteers to make mistakes and learn as they go without fear of judgement. If I can do it, they can too!" 

Reflecting on the challenges of SAR in a remote environment, she acknowledges the high stakes. "SAR in Ascension comes with a huge responsibility - if we don’t respond quickly and correctly, things can go downhill fast. Rescue vessels can be swept with the currents deeper into the Atlantic Ocean and won’t reach land for another 1,400 miles! Even just a few miles offshore, the sea conditions can worsen quickly. On land, lost or injured hikers are very vulnerable to the equatorial sun." 

Looking to the future, Laura is committed to her role for as long as she remains on Ascension Island and hopes to continue her involvement in SAR elsewhere when she eventually moves on. "Volunteering for SAR has become an important part of my life. I have developed new skills, met incredibly inspiring people, and had the opportunity to make a positive impact on my local community. To quote oceanographer Sylvia Earle: ‘When people ask me how can I help, I say, what have you got?’ - we all have something we can contribute!"