Go to the Photo Gallery for more photos

Gallery

HAWKE’S BAY COMMUNITY WELCOMES NEW COASTGUARD VESSEL

Coastguard Hawke’s Bay launched its new dedicated search and rescue vessel during a ceremony on Saturday 20 June 2009, followed by a public open day on the Sunday.

Coastguard Hawke’s Bay search and rescue area is one of the largest covered by a Coastguard unit in New Zealand. It spans from Table Cape in the North and South to Aramoana, Blackhead, Poranghau and Karakau. The new search and rescue vessel is now equipped to cope with most sea conditions in the area, where previously the unit was limited by smaller vessels.

The vessel, worth just under a million dollars, is named after the late Celia Knowles, a Napier resident and keen sea-farer whose estate assisted the building of the craft. President of Coastguard Hawke’s Bay Dick Hilton says the arrival of the vessel will enhance the Coastguard service in the Hawke’s Bay area and has been made possible by the generous support of the late Celia Knowles, Eastern and Central Community Trust, Lotteries Grants Board and a number of local trusts and organisations.

Mr Hilton says, “It’s a superb vessel and a lot of planning and hard work has gone into ensuring it suits the requirements of Coastguard Hawke’s Bay.

“It has special local significance because of Celia’s contribution and we look forward to the difference it will make to our response and ultimately the safety of those who enjoy the Hawke’s Bay coast.”

The new rescue vessel is 11.70 metres in length, is powered by two 480-horsepower diesel engines coupled with Hamilton jet units for ease of maneuverability. It has a top speed of 40 knots and will be operated by between four and eight highly trained Coastguard volunteer crew.

Bruce Reid Coastguard CEO is pleased that the vessel was launched during New Zealand Volunteer Awareness Week (15 – 20 June).

He says, “Volunteer Awareness Week gives New Zealanders a chance to acknowledge the excellent work done by our many professional volunteers who commit their time to providing New Zealand’s primary maritime search, rescue and education service. The huge amount of time dedicated to readying this vessel for the Hawke’s Bay community is an example of this service.”

To date in 2009 Coastguard Hawke’s Bay volunteers alone have given 4218 volunteer hours and attended 13 calls for assistance. The unit has 47 active crew members, 15 committee members, five certified skippers and 15 radio operators.