Coastguard Whangaroa’s Rescue Vessel Back in Action

26 April 2012

Coastguard Whangaroa’s Rescue Vessel Back in Action

Coastguard Whangaroa’s rescue vessel is now back in action on the water after having her inflatable gunwale tubes replaced.

Last year Coastguard Whangaroa volunteers dedicated 1,898 hours to attending call outs and keeping boaties safe on their local waters on board the unit’s rescue vessel.

Whangaroa Rescue, a 1998 Rayglass Protector Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB), has been with the unit for four years and required new inflatable tubes after the previous set had reached the end of their useful life.

President of Coastguard Whangaroa, Lewis Piesse, says ensuring the RHIB has new gunwale tubes helps to extend the life of the vessel.

“These inflatable tubes are an integral part of the vessel, acting as fenders when working against other vessels. They also allow the vessel to remain buoyant even after taking on water in rough conditions, making it perfect for Coastguard use.

“The new inflatable gunwale tubes on Whangaroa Rescue will give the vessel a longer life in helping to bring local boaties home as well as ensuring the safety of Coastguard volunteers and crew while out on the water often in treacherous conditions.”

The replacement tubes cost $22,000 which was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the ASB Community Trust.

“We’re extremely thankful to the team at ASB for their generous grant. Their support has helped Coastguard Whangaroa to continue their mission of saving lives at sea,” says Mr Piesse.

Since her return to the water, Whangaroa Rescue has already provided assistance to local boaties including the successful search and rescue of a missing kayaker on ANZAC day.

Though the unit is thrilled to have their vessel back in the water, the Whangaroa Coastguard Unit is now planning the purchase of a replacement vessel; a priority project which the unit hopes will be completed over the next 24 months but relies heavily on fundraising and the support of the local community.

About Coastguard Northern Region

Coastguard is the charity that provides New Zealand’s primary maritime search and rescue service. The organisation operates from a network of four regions and 71 affiliated units, located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand. Coastguard’s Northern Region covers from Thames across to Kawhia and up both coasts to the Far North.

Each year Coastguard’s Auckland based Communication & SAR Response Centre receives over 100,000 VHF marine radio calls. Last year Coastguard’s 2,224 volunteers ensured that 6,996 people were bought safely back to shore.

Coastguard Northern Region however, is equipped to manage more than just daring rescues at sea. Generations of dedicated people have established an organisation that provides a wealth of services to every person using our harbours and beaches.

• We provide a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year service.
• Install and maintain VHF radio repeaters throughout the Northern Region to enable mariners to communicate with each other over long distances.
• Install and maintain buoys and beacons to make recreational boating safer.
• Provide a 24 hour continuous weather forecast on marine radio VHF channels 20, 21, 22 and 23.
• Accept trip reports from any vessel able to make radio contact.
• Provide a range of boating education courses to ensure that boaties have a sound knowledge of their boats and the rules of the road at sea.

ENDS

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