Peter Faulding – The Fearless Forensic Search Expert Who Redefined Rescue Operations
From Military Precision to Forensic Mastery: The Story of a British Author and Search Visionary
Introduction
Peter Faulding, aged 63 in 2025, is one of the most respected names in global forensic search and rescue. As an author and the founder of Specialist Group International (SGI), he has combined science, courage, and innovation to solve some of the most complex missing-person and evidence-recovery cases in British history. His pioneering work in underwater and confined-space searches has transformed modern rescue methodologies.
Throughout his career, Faulding has faced both praise and criticism — admired for his courage and precision, yet occasionally challenged for his outspoken confidence. Regardless, his influence remains undeniable, inspiring generations of investigators and emergency specialists around the world.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Peter Faulding |
|---|---|
| Age (2025) | 63 years |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Forensic Search & Rescue Expert, Author |
| Company | Specialist Group International (SGI) |
| Known For | Underwater Forensic Search & Confined-Space Rescue |
| Military Service | British Army – Parachute Regiment |
| Book | What Lies Beneath |
| Residence | West Sussex, England |
| Key Technologies | Side-Scan Sonar, Ground-Penetrating Radar |
| Notable Cases | Peter Tobin, April Jones, Gareth Williams, Nicola Bulley |
Early Life and Education
Peter Faulding grew up in England, where his fascination with exploration began during childhood. He often accompanied his father into abandoned mines and caves, learning the fundamentals of structural support, confined-space safety, and underground navigation. These early experiences ignited his lifelong interest in rescue science.
He later joined the British Army’s Parachute Regiment, serving for six years and earning the elite maroon beret. The army taught him precision, teamwork, and endurance — skills that would later define his civilian career in some of the world’s toughest rescue missions.
The Start of His Career
After completing military service, Faulding turned his focus to rescue operations involving confined and hazardous spaces. In the mid-1990s, he gained national attention for safely removing environmental protesters from underground tunnels during major UK infrastructure projects.
In 1996, he assisted in clearing protest tunnels under the Newbury Bypass. A year later, in 1997, he led the successful extraction of the well-known protester “Swampy” from tunnels beneath the A30 Honiton Bypass. These challenging missions showcased his calm leadership and technical brilliance in dangerous environments.
The Birth of Specialist Group International (SGI)
In the late 1990s, Faulding founded Specialist Group International (SGI) — an organization that would redefine forensic search and rescue. SGI combined practical field experience with advanced technologies such as side-scan sonar and ground-penetrating radar, making it possible to locate bodies and evidence in deep water, collapsed structures, and remote terrains.
Under Faulding’s leadership, SGI quickly became the UK’s most trusted name in complex search operations. Police forces, the military, and global agencies began to rely on SGI for its precision, discretion, and unmatched technical capability.
Major Investigations and Global Recognition
Peter Faulding’s expertise has been instrumental in numerous high-profile investigations that tested both technology and human resilience. His team at SGI has contributed to:
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The Peter Tobin serial-killer case, helping locate hidden remains.
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The April Jones disappearance (2012), one of Britain’s most emotional investigations.
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The Gareth Williams “Spy-in-the-Bag” case, assisting in technical analysis.
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The Nicola Bulley search (2023), a case that drew global media attention.
Each mission demanded scientific precision and emotional strength. Faulding’s work revealed not only his technical mastery but also his commitment to uncovering truth in situations where hope was fading.
As an Author and Public Speaker
Peter Faulding is also an accomplished author, known for his memoir What Lies Beneath: My Life as a Forensic Search and Rescue Expert. The book provides an insider’s view of the intense world of forensic investigation — from flooded quarries to deep mine shafts — while reflecting on the human stories behind every rescue.
As a speaker, he regularly appears on British television, podcasts, and at professional conferences. His discussions focus on leadership under pressure, technological innovation, and the psychological endurance required in life-saving operations.
Skills and Technical Expertise
Faulding’s career is defined by his broad technical range. He is a certified commercial diver, helicopter pilot, and fixed-wing pilot, holding professional licenses that allow him to operate across land, sea, and air.
His company has trained search advisers from UK police forces as well as international agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Secret Service. His signature style blends human intuition with advanced engineering — ensuring that every mission is conducted safely, ethically, and efficiently.
Personal Life and Current Endeavors
As of 2025, Peter Faulding continues to reside in West Sussex, England, overseeing SGI’s daily operations. Beyond rescue missions, he promotes water-safety campaigns and public awareness about drowning prevention.
Despite his busy professional life, he remains personally involved in many field missions, demonstrating the same determination that fueled his early career. His leadership philosophy — combining courage, compassion, and precision — continues to guide SGI’s success.
Career Impact and Legacy
Peter Faulding’s legacy is built on innovation and integrity. By introducing technologies such as sonar imaging and ground-penetrating radar to British forensic search units, he transformed investigative efficiency and accuracy.
His fearless approach — whether crawling through collapsing tunnels or navigating murky rivers — has inspired countless rescuers and engineers. Though sometimes outspoken, Faulding’s voice has driven positive reform in search methodology and safety standards. In 2025, his reputation as a visionary leader remains intact: a man who turned danger into discovery.
Conclusion
Peter Faulding, now 63 years old, stands as a symbol of resilience and expertise in forensic search and rescue. His remarkable journey from young explorer to international author and specialist demonstrates that passion and precision can change the course of an entire profession.
With every mission, book, and innovation, Faulding has reinforced a simple truth — that courage, technology, and humanity together can uncover answers buried deep beneath the surface. His story continues to inspire investigators, readers, and dreamers alike.
FAQs about Peter Faulding
Q1. Who is Peter Faulding?
He is a British forensic search and rescue expert, commercial diver, and author who founded Specialist Group International (SGI).
Q2. How old is Peter Faulding in 2025?
He is approximately 63 years old.
Q3. What is his main area of expertise?
He specializes in underwater forensic search, confined-space rescue, and forensic evidence recovery.
Q4. Which book did he write?
Peter Faulding is the author of What Lies Beneath, an autobiographical account of his life and work.
Q5. What is his legacy?
His legacy lies in pioneering the use of advanced technologies in forensic operations, training international agencies, and inspiring a generation of rescuers through both action and authorship.
