New rescue vehicle to replace Dartmoor team’s longest-serving Land Rover

A Dartmoor search and rescue team has begun rolling out a new 4x4 vehicle after retiring one of its longest-serving Land Rovers.

Dartmoor Search and Rescue Tavistock (DSRT) has officially stood down its 25-year-old Defender, callsign ‘DART 63’, after decades of service in training, rescues and community events.

The vehicle is being replaced by a Toyota Hilux, chosen after extensive testing of modern 4x4 alternatives. 

The new vehicle has already taken part in night-time off-road training exercises and is now operational across the area.

The team received a grant from West Devon Borough Council to help purchase the Hilux, but says more funding is needed to complete its transformation into a fully equipped mountain rescue vehicle. 

A custom-built canopy will be added later this summer to carry specialist rescue kit.

The ongoing project has become the focus of DSRT Tavistock’s latest fundraising effort, a campaign called Rescue 4x40, named after the £40,000 target needed to finish the upgrade.

A spokesperson said: “We have made a great start to the campaign and thank you to those who have supported our needs so far. We could not do it without you. So if you see a DSRT Tavistock collecting tin - that is what any donations are going towards.”

The team is encouraging supporters to follow progress via Facebook, Instagram, or at www.dsrt-tavistock.org.uk.

DSRT Tavistock added that its second Land Rover Defender, callsign ‘DART 53’, will remain in service for the time being.