8.5m Protector RhIB ‘Dunedin Rescue’

This vessel was purchased from Coastguard Waihi Beach in 2012 with the support of the Lion Foundation, Otago Community Trust, Bendigo Valley Sports & Charity Foundation, Southern Victorian Charitable Trust and Air Rescue Services Trust.

 

We don’t do this to be rewarded

Coastguard Dunedin’s 23 volunteer crew are well trained in search and rescue operations.

 

Since July 2012

Our Volunteers have

• given 1178 hours of service
• spent 94 hours on search & rescue operations and 526 hours in training activities 
• have responded to 10 Police search & rescue tasking and 3 calls for assistance from the public
• 11 people have been rescued and one fatality attended.

 

In the twelve months to 30 June 2012 the volunteer crew members of Coastguard Dunedin

• gave 2,067 hours of service
• spent 112 hours in search & rescue operations and 1,153 in training activities
• answered 23 calls for assistance from the public
• responded to 8 Police initiated search & rescue operations
• rescued 25 people

 

Keeping our Community Promise – Saving lives at sea

Some of our latest Search & Rescue operations involving Coastguard Dunedin volunteer crew are

 

Diver Overdue

A diver became concerned when his diving buddy failed to surface at the appointed time.  Coastguard Dunedin volunteers headed to Wellers Rock along with other agencies and began a search.  Fortunately the missing diver surfaced 40 minutes after being missed.  Authorities discussed with him the need to follow diving protocols.

 

Fisherman Overdue

February 2013 – Police received a report of a man overdue on a fishing trip in the sea off Karitane, Otago.  It was 9.47 pm dark, and the conditions were becoming very rough, he was reported as inexperienced, and did not reply to either his cellphone or to calls over the VHF.   Coastguard Dunedin volunteers in their new 8.5m Naiad vessel ‘Dunedin Rescue‘  and two local boats commended a search.  He was located at anchor having attempted to cross the Karitane bar which had waves breaking across it, which resulted in him being drenched and frightened.  Having anchored in the calmest spot he could find had turned off his cellphone and VHF radio an attempted to sleep.  Unfortunately he had no anchor or other lights, had not thought of telling his partner what he was doing, and was reluctant to leave his boat although he was wet and hypodermic.   He was persuaded that for his safety that he should go ashore and return to pick up his boat the next day when the bar calmed.

 

Sunk Boat?

December 2012 the volunteers were called to check a submerged object sited off Karitane.  On reaching the area they discovered it was a floating boat trailer left by its owner away presumably on a fishing trip.  Although not so common locally they are becoming more popular around the country.  Definitely worth the call out as it did indeed look like a submerged boat.  Better safe than sorry!

 

kayakers rescued

Two kayakers got into trouble due to increased swell and wind when one capsized and the second entered the water to assist.  They spent an hour in the water swimming to Quarantine Island to raise the alarm.  Coastguard Dunedin rescued them from the island and delivered them to a waiting ambulance suffering from hypothermia.

 

Boat capsize

A small pleasure boat capsized crossing the Papanui Inlet bar and two people were seen in the water.  Coastguard Dunedin assisted as the people made it to shore, confirming that no others were in the water.  The vessel was unable to be recovered.

 

Mechanical failure

A runabout lost power near Quarantine Island with two people on board.  Dunedin Rescue towed them back to Wellers Rock launching point.

 

 

Volunteer with Coastguard Dunedin

Saving lives creates a special camaraderie that is unique to those who have experienced it. But in typical Kiwi fashion, our crew’s prefer to remain humble about it. If you are prepared to put in the time and effort to be a Coastguard Professional Volunteer contact us by email.

 

We don’t do this alone

Coastguard Dunedin could not operate without the continued, generous support of New Zealanders. To make a donation and join our team in saving lives at sea please use the ‘Donate Now’ button above to access our donations page and indicate Coastguard Dunedin in the message section. Thank you for your support.

 

Where we come from

Coastguard Dunedin was officially started in early 2006 when a group known as Harbour Rescue Inc was renamed and became part of the Coastguard New Zealand.   On 25^th March 2006 we officially launched as Coastguard Dunedin and dedicated our first Coastguard Rescue Vessel a 6.8m Naiad on loan from Coastguard New Zealand.  December 2012 we took possession of a new second hand vessel purchased from Coastguard Waihi Beach a 8.5m Protector vessel which was dedicated and relaunched as Dunedin Rescue on 3rd March 2013.