Delta Lifeboat sailed on 01 Sep 2022 to participate in the Victoria Classic boat Festival. En route, the lifeboat was tasked to join the search for a person lost overboard south of Fulford Harbour. DELTA L/B was tasked to conduct a shoreline search of the harbour. An hour later an unconscious male was located by a coastguard lifeboat off Portland Island and DELTA L/B was stood down. Unfortunately, the victim did not survive.
Continuing on for Victoria DELTA L/B ran into zero visibility fog. Lookouts were doubled and both radars were closely monitored. Several close targets were plotted and it was noted that no fog horns were heard from any opposing vessels.
After navigating through Baynes Channel a radio call from the converted fishing vessel ‘Contenda’ was received requesting a tow into Victoria. DELTA L/B returned to Cadboro Point and took the vessel in tow securing her in Victoria.
During the festival DELTA L/B served as the medical guard ship, working closely with volunteer members of St. John Ambulance who made a generous donation of an oxygen kit to the CLI. A few minor medical incidents were handled with John Horton assisting a lady with a badly scalded hand.
Following the festival, DELTA L/B slipped at 0600 on Monday for transit back to Ladner. While closing Zero Rock, lookouts reported sighting an abandoned skiff. Following an assessment that concluded no person was missing; the skiff was towed to Canoe Cove and secured. The transit to Ladner was conducted with no further incidents.
While in Victoria a reception was held on Saturday evening aboard DELTA L/B. Approximately 40 guests enjoyed friendship and camaraderie. Many Naval friends also joined us and Commodore David Mazur lowered the ensign during the Sunset Ceremony which was sounded by John More on the Bugle. A moment enjoyed by all. It is also noted that one of the invited guests who could not attend made a generous financial donation to the CLI.