Sean McCarry, a 67-year-old from Coleraine, Northern Ireland, is the founder of Bann River Search and Rescue, a volunteer charity he established over 20 years ago to fill a critical gap in local search and rescue services following the Troubles. Starting with minimal resources—including just two Land Rover Defenders and even wheelbarrows—Sean and his team have grown the organisation to over 220 volunteers across ten units, rescuing approximately 10,000 people to date. Despite no official funding, the charity relies on community support and handles up to 700 calls annually, making it the busiest lowland rescue team in the British Isles. Sean’s work is deeply personal and rewarding, often involving close connections with families during some of their most vulnerable moments.

In recognition of his dedication, National Geographic’s Car SOS team restored Sean’s original 2000 Land Rover Defender, which had been off the road for four years. Sean regards the vehicle as a symbol of the thousands of volunteers and lives touched through their efforts. Reflecting on his decades of service, Sean emphasizes the emotional challenges of the job but finds profound fulfillment in reuniting people with their loved ones and contributing to community safety and normalisation after years of conflict.