Author: David Acton

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Fraser Lifeboat – No Rescue Too Small – Sep 2020
A semi-submerged, abandoned small craft wreck was recovered.
While on a routine marine safety patrol on Labour Day, lookouts aboard the all-weather lifeboat Fraser spotted off her starboard beam the partially submerged hull of a speedboat situated off the breakwater near Sand Heads.  Only the bow was visible above the surface.  A strong wind warning was in effect with moderate northerlies, with excellent visibility on an ebbing tide.
Inside the wheelhouse with the coxswain on the con, the helmsman swung the vessel back around for a closer look-see while the crew went into action on deck to assess the situation.  After it was determined that the vessel had been abandoned and was adrift, the coxswain claimed salvage and the stricken vessel was dewatered and secured.
On a serious note, this situation provided excellent training for the crew in manoeuvering in blustery conditions. If you lost your RC boat and can identify it, please contact the CLI.
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Delta Lifeboat Rescues Man From Sunken Skiff – Aug 2020

The danger of boating alone was brought home to a Richmond resident when his small 11-foot aluminium boat suddenly started to take on water and sink leaving him swimming for this life.

On Thursday 27 Aug 2020, the Delta Lifeboat was returning into Sea Reach to the Delta Lifeboat Station in Ladner from an evening of training. At 20:45 one of the lookouts reported debris in the water ahead. It was now after sunset and getting dark.

On closer investigation, it was found to be a submerged small boat with loose gear that had floated free. Suddenly one of the lookouts reported he could hear a cry for help. Switching on Delta L/B’s powerful searchlights revealed a man in the water waving.

The lifeboat was manoeuvred alongside and the man was hauled aboard where he was treated for hypothermia. While he was being attended to, the Lifeboat crew managed to recover some of the debris and lash his skiff to the stern. During the recovery, RCM-SAR stood by to provide assistance if required. After making a full report to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, the Delta L/B returned at 22:00 to Ladner where the survivor was met by a thankful wife.

This was a very lucky rescue, for, with total darkness descending and an outflowing river, the survivor would have been swept out into the Gulf and perhaps not found until the next day with possibly tragic results.

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Fraser Lifeboat Call Out / Tow – Jul 2020

The Fraser Lifeboat received a call during the CLI Lifeboat Day of a vessel aground South of Sand Heads. Fraser departed Ladner and headed out to Sand Heads. The stricken vessel had hydraulic problems, no steering, and only a single person aboard. As the tide was rising, the vessel went adrift and Fraser crew advised him to drop anchor. Once on-scene the crew waited for tide changes to determine if there was enough clearance to safely render a tow. With an average depth of 8 feet, the vessel was securely towed back to Steveston Harbour, where it was secured to the government dock.

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CLI Lifeboat Day, City of Delta – July 2020

The weather on Saturday 18th July was perfect for the Canadian Lifeboat Institution’s ‘Lifeboat Day’ open house held at the Elliot Street Wharf in Ladner.  The ‘Delta’ and ‘Fraser’ lifeboats were on view for the public to learn about the charities work and a number of Delta residents conveyed how pleased they were to have a lifeboat stationed in Ladner.  Mayor George Harvie and Mrs. Harvie attended and voiced the cities gratitude for the Institution’s service to the community and how even closer ties to the City might be established.

Many generous donations were received and several possible new recruits were interviewed while the public were viewing.

At midday, a request was received to assist a 40 foot motor vessel aground on Roberts Bank with disabled hydraulic steering.  The ‘Fraser’ lifeboat proceeded to assist with crews from Ladner and Steveston stations on board.   Arriving on the scene as the tide was rising; the vessel was taken in tow with its lone skipper aboard and secured safely in Steveston for repair.

The very successful Lifeboat Day closed at 4 PM and thanks go to the City of Delta staff for their kind assistance and support.

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Canada Day Safety Patrol July 2020

On Canada Day both Lifeboats conducted safety patrols throughout the day.

Fraser L/B started at 09:00 and immediately became aware of a large amount of debris in the water from the Freshet. The crew discovered a vessel aground off Kirkland Island, and the details were called into Coast Guard Radio and Rescue Centre was advised. Two pax were on board and another in a small RHIB. The tide was too low to help and advised we would check again later. The patrol continued to Shelter Island at which time Coast Guard Radio asked if we could go back and check on their status. The Fraser L/B arrived back on the scene and assessed the situation, a tow was offered; however, the persons now declined and said they would wait for the higher tide and float off.

Delta Lifeboat relieved the Fraser Lifeboat at 1300 to conduct a safety patrol on the Fraser River, between the tunnel and Sandheads.  The weather was poor with light rain and a 10 knot SE wind.  This obviously greatly reduced the number of recreational boaters that would normally be out.

During her patrol, Fraser had sighted a small vessel aground off Kirkland Island but not requiring assistance.

Later, the Coast Guard requested a status report and following a search of the area Delta L/B was able to advise that the vessel was no longer in the area and had obviously refloated and departed.

Delta L/B proceeded to Sandheads and later returned to Ladner at 1830.