6.8m Naiad RIB ‘Dunedin Rescue’

 

We don’t do this to be rewarded

Coastguard Dunedin’s 26 volunteer crew are well trained in search and rescue operations.

 

In the twelve months to 30 June 2011 the 26  volunteer crew members of Coastguard Dunedin

• gave 2,315 hours of service, and 10% increase over last year
• spent 186 hours in search & rescue operations and 1,251 in training activities
• answered 10 calls for assistance from the public
• responded to 11 Police initiated search & rescue operations
• rescued 16 people

 

Since July 2011

Our Volunteers have

• given 851 hours of service
• spent 21 hours on search & rescue operations and 506 hours  in training activities 
• have responded to 1 Police search & rescue tasking and 21 calls for assistance from the public
• 8 people have been rescued

 

Keeping our Community Promise – Saving lives at sea

The latest Search & Rescue operations involving Coastguard Dunedin volunteer crew are

 

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.

 

Bomb Scare

The fishing vessel Aurora trawled up a 25lb WWII practice bomb which they offloaded onto the Carey’s Bay fishermans wharf.  While Police waited for the bomb squad to arrive and ascertain that it was not dangerous Coastguard Dunedin volunteers were tasked with keeping vessels clear of the area for five hours.

 

Surfer reported overdue

January a surfer was reported overdue by friends from Allan’s Beach.  Coastguard, the rescue helicopter, local jet skiers and a container ship in the area were tasked to search. Three hours later were stood down when it was found that the missing surfer had hitched a ride back to Dunedin without advising his friends.

 

Stuck on Sandbank

January called by Police to rescue the runabout Wanda which was stuck on a sandbank at cross ditch.  Dunedin Rescue with 7 volunteer crew aboard towed the vessel to safety.

 

Engine Trouble

29 December, a pleasure boat reported being in difficulty with engine problems hear Taiaroa Head.  Although sea conditions were good, this is a dangerous area and Dunedin Rescue with 5 volunteer crew aboard located the vessel and towed it to safety.

 

Canoe’s caught out by bad weather

13 December, Two canoeists were caught out by strong wind and rough sea and sought shelter on Goat Island.  Coastguard was called to assist and brought them back to safety.

 

Yacht Adrift

7 December, a yacht broke from its mooring and was adrift in the Otago Harbour.  Coastguard volunteers located and secured the yacht, towing it back to safety.

 

Breakdown while fishing

5 December, a family fishing trip to Blueskin Bay for three people ended when their boat had engine trouble.  Coastguard volunteers assisted by towing them to safety.

 

 

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 new Coastguard Rescue Vessel.