BP donates IRB to Capital Coast Callout Squad
To mark the 50 year anniversary commemorations of the Wahine Disaster, BP New Zealand has today donated an Inflatable
Rescue Boat (IRB) to the Capital Coast Callout Squad.
BP Managing Director Debi Boffa said “The Wahine Disaster is an important part of maritime, Wellington and New Zealand’s
history. BP is humbled to play a role in remembering those who lost their lives, and recognise survivors as part of the
50 year commemoration events, and it’s our privilege to mark the occasion by donating an IRB to support future events
involving the Capital Coast Callout Squad.”
BP is the principal sponsor of the P.S Are You Prepared? Display at the commemoration, a display where members of the
public can come and talk to emergency rescue organisations and find out how these organisations would respond to an
emergency today.
After seeing the brave clubbies from Worser Bay Surf Club take their surf boat Miss Europa out in the stormy sea to help
with the rescue people from the Wahine, Europa, acquired by BP shortly after, began a nationwide sponsorship with Surf
Life Saving New Zealand.
“It is as a result of the heroic rescue efforts on the day of the Wahine Disaster that BP has recently marked its 50
years of partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand. We hope our contribution of an IRB to the Capital Coast Callout
Squad will ensure there will always be people and equipment available to help anyone who comes into strife while at
sea,” Ms Boffa said.
BP is proud to continue its annual IRB donation, recognising they play a vital role in everyday operations at Surf
Lifesaving Clubs around New Zealand. BP IRBs are not only used for beach patrols but are part of emergency management
and are often called upon in floods and other emergencies.
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