ARCC - Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre

03/09/2026

🌍 What is Global Search and Rescue Day?

Every year on 10 September, the world marks Global SAR Day.

The date commemorates the first rescue supported by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system in 1982, a breakthrough that proved how space-based technology could help save lives anywhere on Earth.

Today, Global SAR Day shines a light on a vital global service that often operates behind the scenes: a worldwide network that detects distress signals and helps coordinate search and rescue operations across oceans, mountains, remote regions, and beyond.

On Global SAR Day, we recognize the people, organizations, and systems working around the clock to ensure that when a distress beacon is activated, help is on the way.

03/09/2026

Search and rescue is changing, in very practical ways.

Not long ago, sending a distress signal meant waiting, sometimes without knowing if it had been received.

Today, things are different. Most 406 beacons can now send precise GPS coordinates, helping rescuers know exactly where to go.
New satellite systems can detect signals almost instantly, instead of waiting forthe next satellite pass. And with Return Link Service, users can receive confirmation that their alert has been received.

These are not small improvements : they change what happens in the first minutes of an emergency.
• Less waiting
• Less uncertainty
• Faster decisions

Ultimately, a faster response when it matters most.

18/08/2026

Media release : Missing Paraglider, Porterville, Western Cape

17/07/2026

At the 40th meeting of the Cospas-Sarsat Joint Committee, discussions covered key developments for Galileo, including the commissioning of new Galileo payloads and the introduction of new services, notably the Two-Way Communication service for Search and Rescue (SAR).


Want to learn more about Galileo's SAR capabilities and how they help save lives? Check out our infographic: https://www.euspa.europa.eu/galileo-sar-service

International Cospas-Sarsat Programme

17/07/2026

🛰️ What is Cospas-Sarsat, and why does it matter?

You may not have heard of us, but if you've ever set foot on a boat, boarded a small aircraft, or ventured into remote wilderness, our system may one day save your life.

Cospas-Sarsat is an international humanitarian satellite system, created in 1979 through cooperation between Canada, France, the United States, and the USSR. Our mission is simple: detect distress beacons and relay alerts to rescue authorities as quickly as possible, anywhere on Earth.

When someone is in distress (at sea, in the air, or on land) they activate a 406 MHz beacon. Our network of satellites and ground stations detects the signal, pinpoints the location, and alerts the appropriate search and rescue (SAR) authorities.

📌 45 countries/organizations are now members of the System.
📌 Three types of beacons are supported: EPIRBs (maritime), ELTs (aviation), and PLBs (personal).
📌 Since 1982, the System has helped save more than 70,000 lives.

Every save is a family reunited.

10/07/2026

27/06/2026

Media Release, Aircraft accident, Fochville, Gauteng

South African Police Service
South African Civil Aviation Authority - SACAA
ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd.
Netcare911
ROCKET HEMS
SARZA
Hamnet Gauteng
S.C.A.T.S

13/06/2026

13/06/2026

12/06/2026

Netcare 911 Lens

Every day begins with readiness. The Netcare 7 medical helicopter stands prepared to reach patients faster, farther, and when they need help most.

Emergency? Call Netcare 911 on 082 911 or download the Netcare app.