8.5m Naiad ‘Russell John Chisholm’

The ‘ Russell John Chisholm’ came into service in August 1999. Named for the young boy who was one of four people who lost their lives in a tragic air accident in Foveaux Strait. Russell’s family and friends raised the funds to purchase this vessel.

 

We don’t do this to be rewarded

Coastguard Riverton’s 16 volunteer crew are well trained in search and rescue operations.

 

Since July 2012

Our Volunteers have

• given 2,153 hours of service to the community
• spent 820 hours in training activities and 178 in search and rescue operations
• responded to 5 Police search and rescue operations and one call for assistance from the public
• 28 people have been rescued and one fatality attended.

 

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

• gave 3,786 hours of service
• spent 424 hours in search & rescue operations and 1,563 in training activities
• answered 10 calls for assistance from the public
• responded to 69 Police initiated search & rescue operations
• rescued 35 people

Keeping our Community Promise – Saving lives at sea

The latest Search & Rescue operations involving Coastguard Riverton are

 

fishing vessel sinking

A fishing vessel was working close to shore setting cray pots hit a rock and started taking on water.  The crew raised the alarm and abandoned ship to their dingy.  Coastguard Riverton were tasked by Police to assist along with a helicopter.  The crew were picked up by the helicopter and the Coastguard volunteers stood down.

 

Engine failure

Three people out for a days fishing in a powerboat suffered engine failure.  Police tasked Coastguard Riverton to assist and 5 crew in RJC Rescue located the boat and towed it to safety.

 

Motor fails on fishing trip

4 men out for a days fishing in a 5m Bayliner left for a days fishing around 10am.  The sea was rough with a 2.5m swell although the day was fine.  On arrival at the fishing reef the fishing was so poor they decided to return home and on the return journey the main engine failed.  Their axillary engine was only 8hp and was unable to cope with the rough conditions.  Unable to trigger the VHF repeater they managed to call a friend by cellphone who alerted Police.  Coastguard Riverton volunteers were paged and they launched the Russel John Chisholm heading out to the GPS coordinates provided by the vessel in distress.  Locating them at 11.30am they took the Bayliner under tow and were able to return them safely to Colic Bay.

 

 

Volunteer with Coastguard Riverton

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 Riverton could not operate without the continued, generous support of New Zealanders.

 

The incredible support of DHL allows Coastguard Riverton to be one of the best equipped Coastguard units in the country.

 

The Southland Branch of HANZ have supported our Stewart Island Fishing Competition fundraiser since 1998, and for this we express our deep gratitude. GMD Timaru also support our Stewart Island Fishing Competition and enter teams into this event. Their support contributes to the success of the event.

 

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 Riverton in the message section. Thank you for your support.

 

Where we come from

Coastguard Riverton started 50 years ago when two teenagers lost their lives on the Riverton bar was the catalyst for the community to form the Taremea Bay Rescue Unit with a second hand clinker built wooden boat and an equally second hand outboard motor. Later they became the Riverton Volunteer Lifeboat Institute and then six years ago they became Coastguard Riverton.  Early members Jack Burns, Murray Beer and Steve Bickley have been honoured with three of the six life memberships awarded by Coastguard Rivertson, acknowledging their contribution to the success of our organisation.