The Disappearance of Air France Flight AF447

Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) represents one of the most demanding humanitarian activities undertaken by modern states, requiring the integration of logistics, advanced technology, highly trained personnel, specialized vessels, aircraft, and international cooperation. Unlike emergency response on land, maritime rescue operations are conducted in an environment characterized by immense geographical distances, dynamic meteorological conditions, limited infrastructure, and constant operational uncertainty. The success of any rescue mission depends not only upon the rapid deployment of resources but also upon effective planning, coordination, and logistical support capable of sustaining operations over extended periods and across vast oceanic spaces. This chapter examines the conceptual foundations of maritime rescue, exploring its historical development, operational principles, and strategic importance within contemporary maritime governance. It establishes the theoretical framework necessary for understanding the complex interaction between logistics, rescue assets, human resources, and international legal obligations that collectively define modern maritime search and rescue systems.