This Nov 11th the Delta Lifeboat attended Remembrance Day services at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the Fraser Lifeboat conducted a brief ceremony near the Garry Point Memorial in Steveston Harbour followed by a showing of the flag. Many of our members have served with various organizations and militaries worldwide, or have families that have done so. We are fortunate to have such a diversified group. Lest We Forget!
Delta L/B Extended Training weekend – Nov 2021
Video RCMSAR 14 coming long side
Delta Lifeboat – Extended training weekend
On November 5 the Delta Lifeboat departed at 1915 from her Ladner station to Port Graves in Howe Sound for an extended training weekend. The weather forecast was rain and S.E. winds 10-20 knots. Courses were planned from Ladner to Sand Heads and Collingwood Channel traveling up the Northbound lane. Delta L/B passed Cape Rodger Curtis at 2218 and proceeded up Collingwood Channel through rain squalls to Howe Sound, anchoring in Port Graves at 2330.
6 Nov. The anchor was weighed at 0900 and M.O.B. search and recovery training were conducted south of Gambier Island close to the ferry lanes. A tornado warning was received for the Georgia Strait and Howe Sound; however, the wind remained from the S.E. with rain sometimes heavy and the sea ran from 1 to 2. ‘Oscar’ was deployed, recovered, and hoisted aboard Delta L/B. At 1300 pacing (sticking) training continued in a moderate sea and heavy rain. At 1400 Delta L/B proceeded to the North end of Shoal Channel where a creeping line search pattern was plotted and run. Delta L/B went to anchor in Plumper Cove at 1515 in preparation for joint operations with RCM-SAR station 14 out of Gibsons. The SAR RHIB secured alongside 1610 and a briefing and cross vessel tour was conducted. SAR14 requested a pacing exercise and towex. This was conducted in Shoal Channel with Delta L/B running at 10 knots with SAR14 and Delta RHIB practicing paces and sticks. Delta L/B went to anchor in Plumper Cove for a welcome supper.
7 Nov. The anchor was weighed at 0930 and the ship secured for sea. The forecast was for winds S.E. 15/25 and rain sometimes heavy. Visibility in Howe Sound was 1.5. The passage down Queen Charlotte Channel was made into a steep head sea. Clearing Point Atkinson course was set for the North Arm. Delta L/B entered the North Arm at 1200 communicating with tugs and tows and tugs working booms. Transit was made to New Westminster and to Ladner. Conditions were very changeable with very heavy rain and hail to blinding sunshine that created a spectacular rainbow. Delta L/B secured at her station in Ladner at 1527.
Lucille Johnstone Workboat Parade – Sep 2021
On 25 Sep 2021 both Fraser and Delta Lifeboats attended the Lucille Johnstone Workboat Parade in New Westminster. Both boats headed up early in the morning and anchored at Surrey Fraser Docks area and shared lunch and coffee.
The boats all passed by the New Westminster waterfront as far down as the newly built Westminster Pier Park at the north end. The more agile boats in the parade line took the opportunity to show off and do some spins, close-quarters approaches, and bounding over the wakes of the other vessels. The crowds were small but enthusiastic as people waved to the crews from shore. After a second loop around the lifeboats headed back to their respective stations.
A few observations were made and have been passed to the event organizer. Safety patrols were conducted both ways of the voyage.
Sailboat Rescue Albion Box – Aug 2021
A Saturday morning training session onboard Canadian Lifeboat Institute’s Delta Lifeboat, August 28, became a real-life rescue experience when the crew sighted a stricken 33 ft yacht on the rocks that form the Albion Island Jetty.
A lone yachtsman was aground on the rocks, south of Steveston and close to Westham Island, from late the previous night. This area has trapped many vessels over the years and is one of the dangers that lurk in the Fraser River Estuary.
Delta Lifeboat Captain John Horton made a quick check with the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC) in Victoria and, as the incident had not been reported, the Lifeboat was tasked to investigate.
On approaching the yacht, the lone sailor advised the Lifeboat crew that he had been sailing from Victoria but had no experience in the Fraser River and no radio to call for assistance. Unfortunately, running hard aground at the height of the evening tide made it impossible to refloat the vessel until a full tide cycle of 24 hours.
Responding to an alert from Pacific Region’s JRCC, the Sea Island-based Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft Moytel, made swift passage to join Delta Lifeboat still standing by at the rescue location. The yacht was then boarded and inspected for damage. As it was not taking on water, and with a falling tide, plans were made to attempt to refloat the yacht on the next high tide at 10 o’clock that night. It was agreed the Delta would return to the Albion Jetty location to tow the yacht free as the tide rose.
A crew of 7 reported aboard at 19:30 when a full briefing and refloating plan was held. The RHIB was hoisted outboard and prepared.
The Lifeboat slipped at 2000 and proceeded for the Albion Box. While Exiting Sea Reach an outgoing tug reported a small vessel possibly disabled off Garry Point. Delta L/B was requested to investigate. Arriving off Garry Point 10 minutes later a search found no vessel in the area and so continued on its primary mission.
Now in complete darkness, Delta L/B entered the box and closed the yacht from the south side on the rising tide. The yacht was now still aground but with less of a starboard heel. The RHIB was launched and closed to survey the best towing points.
At 2052 a bridal was set up to 2 strong cleats. Returning to the Delta L/B the tow line was run out through the bull ring and secured to the bridal. The scene was kept illuminated by Delta L/B’s searchlights. Once secured Delta L/B went astern dead slow to await the high tide. Just minutes before this was reached and by applying more power, the yacht finally slid off the rocks at 2150.
A quick survey indicated no water ingress but as the owner was unable to start the engine, and using the RHIB, the tow line was transferred to the yacht’s bow and “Delta” commenced towing the yacht safely out of the box and set course for Steveston.
Large commercial traffic had to be negotiated and just west of Garry Point, the owner of the yacht reported his engine now running and able to cast off the tow. The RHIB was continuing to give close escort with Delta L/B ahead as the yacht was not able to display any navigation lights.
Finally, at 2250 the yacht was safely secured at the Imperial Landing and the incident closed.
Steveston Classic Boat Festival – Aug 2021
The CLI participated in the Steveston Classic Boat Festival on 21 and 22 Aug 2021. Due to COVID-19 the public was not allowed on the vessel but could view it externally. This provided a great opportunity for providing boating safety awareness as well as fundraising.