Author: David Acton

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Ladner Carol Ships Support – Dec 2019

Both the Fraser and Delta Lifeboats provided support to the annual Carol Ships parade in Ladner on Dec 06 and 07. Our vessels were decorated but still able to provide rescue functions if required. The Delta Lifeboat embarked a pipe band this year thrilling the locals as they passed.

On Friday, Dec 06,  no calls for assistance were received.

On Saturday, Dec 07,  as the Delta Lifeboat approached Wellington point we received a radio call saying there was a broken down vessel who was supposed to be taking part in the parade. One of the other fishing vessels had it alongside close to the North shore.

We quickly deployed fenders, got lines ready and came alongside where we were able to hook up lines 2 and 3. As line 1 was being attached we realized the vessel was very close to the shore, so the first tow vessel was able to cast off and start manoeuvring away. We then towed the broken down vessel away from shore to finish securing lines.
With everything secure, the Delta L/B continued to take part in the parade with the vessel alongside tow on the port side and they spent the night tied up alongside the Delta Lifeboat.
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CLI crew attend Transport Canada Marine Basic First Aid training course – Oct 2019

Over the Oct 2019 Thanksgiving long weekend, several CLI crews attended a Transport Canada Marine Basic First Aid course. This is the first of possibly 3 courses we hope to conduct over the next year. This gives our crews the necessary marine requirements as well as CPR and AED training. Even infants are covered. The certification is good for three years and then must be renewed.

This 2-day course was well attended and as can be seen, the crews had fun too. We thank Dr Singh for his very informative and fact-filled sessions!

 

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Fraser Lifeboat assistance to boater – Oct 2019

On Saturday 12 Oct 2019, our coxswains received a phone call via a third-party source of a vessel requiring assistance and asked if we could help. A small black pleasure-boat was broken down in Ladner Reach. JRCC was advised of the incident. With 2 coxswains onboard, the Fraser Lifeboat headed to the scene and found the vessel with 3 persons all wearing life-jackets and in good spirits. The vessel was anchored.

Our crew determined that they had run out of fuel, so transferred a small amount to them that is used for our pumps. With the weather turning cold and winds predicted to pick up, the boat was able to get started and headed for Captains Cove Marina to fuel up and then would be hauled out at Ferry Road. Fraser Lifeboat headed back to Steveston base and stood down.

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Delta Lifeboat supports Naval Association of Canada National Conference – Oct 2019

From 02-06 Oct 2019 the Delta Lifeboat provided support to the Naval Association of Canada National Conference in North Vancouver.

Moored at Lonsdale Quay,  the Delta Lifeboat was given dock space by Seaspan so we could transport guests of the conference to the Seaspan construction site for a tour

One of conference highlight speakers, Martin Quinn, Commodore Royal Navy, who is Commander Maritime Reserves for the UK toured the Delta Lifeboat with John Horton

The Delta Lifeboat also attended the church service at the WW II memorial beside the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver.

 

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Sailboat taking on water – Sep 2019

On 02 Sep 2019 the Fraser Lifeboat was conducting a safety patrol at the mouth of the Fraser River near Sandheads. A distress call was received of a sailboat taking on water near Steveston Harbour. As they made dock, Coast Guard did not task us, but left it to our discretion to check on them. We arrived approx 20 mins later and found them tied to Fisherman’s Wharf and slightly low in the water. The crew deployed our portable salvage pump and extricated a fair amount of water. The source of the leak was not found and the vessel decided to head to Ladner Harbour. Coast Guard Radio was advised of what we had done and the vessels intentions. Fraser Lifeboat stood down and returned to the river for further patrols.