Off-Road Rescue Unit (ORRU)

Our group in general

The Off Road Rescue Unit (ORRU) is a highly-trained crew of volunteer 4×4 owners in the Western Cape.

The Unit works closely with local, regional and national Emergency Management Services, Disaster Management, the South African Air Force, Civil Aviation (Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre), South African Police Service, K9 Search and Rescue Association, the Mountain Club of South Africa Search and Rescue, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre(MRCC) and other official and civilian volunteer organisations.

The Unit provides wilderness and urban search and rescue services, transport, logistical support and radio communications, in rough terrain and urban areas in times of need including civil, national or international emergencies.

Each year, the Unit receives more than 250 calls for assistance and in more than half of these instances, the Unit’s comprehensive emergency-assistance capabilities are required with members being mobilised and deployed.