Proud Day for Coastguard Volunteers at Waihi Beach

Coastguard volunteers, local dignitaries, members of the local community and other invited guests join with Coastguard Waihi Beach to celebrate the official launch of the new rescue vessel “Gallagher Rescue” at 2.00 pm on Sunday 20 January 2013 at the Bowentown Boating and Sport fishing Club, Pior Road, Bowentown.

The new vessel is the result of two years of planning and fundraising effort by the Coastguard volunteers. Raising in the order of $700,000 by this community is no small feat and the fundraising efforts of everyone involved are to be commended. A huge thanks goes out to Gallagher Group, The Lion Foundation, Coastguard NZ, The Valder Ohinemuri Charitable Trust, Porter Group, Alitech, and various other local sponsors have helped by providing services at cost or free of charge.

The new vessel is a fit-for-purpose 9.5m Naiad Coastguard Rescue Vessel (built by Alloy Cats in Mount Maunganui) and is equipped with two 250 hp Yamaha four-stroke outboards and Raymarine electronics. It replaces the Rayglass Protector which has served the community faithfully for the past 15 years. It will provide a faster response capability and enhanced crew comfort which is critical for the often long periods of time in arduous conditions involved in search and rescue missions. One unique feature on this vessel is Jak-plates which enable the motors to be raised and lowered vertically in shallow water allowing it access to more tight spots.

About Coastguard Waihi Beach
Coastguard Waihi Beach became a Coastguard Unit in 1990 and is manned by 46 volunteers. In the year 2011/2012 they were involved in 36 calls for assistance and the rescue of 79 people. In the current year (July to December) they answered 10 calls for assistance and rescued 24 people. These volunteers dedicate over 7,000 hours each year to keeping their community safe on the water.

ENDS

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