A bigger boat with more power is being tested by Coastguard
Dunedin crew, who will formally hand over their present
vessel to Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes this weekend.
The new 8.5m Rayglass Protector was more powerful by about
100hp, and held about 200 litres more fuel than Coastguard
Dunedin's old 6.8m Naiad.
Its twin 200hp engines and 540-litre fuel tank meant
Coastguard Dunedin had a better capability for rescue
operations. The boat had more room for patients, better
visibility, and extra space.
President Lox Kellas, of Portobello, said the vessel cost
about $75,000 and was shipped to Dunedin from Tauranga,
having served Coastguard Waihi Beach for almost a decade.
It was the first boat Coastguard Dunedin had owned.
The club's first vessel was on loan as a ''bailment'' and the
Twizel crew would continue that loan.
Mr Kellas said the new boat ''Dunedin Rescue'' would be given
a new name in due course.
''The priority at this stage is getting the crew familiar
with the boat and a new set of drills and operating
procedures.''
It arrived on December 31 last year and the official
paperwork will be completed today.
Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes crew will be in Dunedin tomorrow
to pick up the Naiad.
Mr Kellas said Coastguard Dunedin had raised an ''initial''
amount of money to buy the boat and fundraising by Coastguard
Southern Region on the club's behalf provided the rest.
Coastguard Dunedin comprises 46 volunteers and was involved
in 31 rescue missions in the 12 months to June 2012.
- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz
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