The CLI conducted Thanksgiving long weekend safety patrols on 10 Oct 2022. Fraser Lifeboat deployed in the morning and Delta Lifeboat covered the afternoon period with a brief overlap for both vessels. A storm was expected but didn’t materialize for the better part of the day. With a new crew member on Fraser L/B, this presented an opportunity to deploy the x-boat and do some heaving line practice. Two distress calls were heard but they were far outside our area of operations. This was a fairly quiet weekend.
Lucille Johnston Work Boat Parade and Safety Patrol – Sep 2022
On 24 Sep 2022 the DELTA and FRASER Lifeboats attended River Fest in New Westminster, BC. With over 3000 people in attendance this year, the Lucille Johnston Work Boat Parade is a huge highlight. This event gives the CLI great exposure to the public in this area of the river and is able to provide emergency services should anything happen during the event. Safety patrols were conducted on the way there and back. The Canadian Coast Guard was also present on the river installing / updating aids to navigation.
Ladner Memorial Park hosts Queen Elizabeth II memorial service
On Monday, 19 Sep 2022, the City of Delta teamed up with the Ladner Legion for a special memorial service to honour the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Our coxswain, John Horton, attended the memorial service. The ceremony started at 10:45, at the Memorial Park cenotaph. It featured singing and musical performances, including a bugler and members of the Delta Police Pipe Band. Speeches were made by MLA Ian Patterson and mayor George Harvey. Wreaths and flowers were laid by dignitaries.
Many of our members had to work, but several live-streamed the events from UK and Ottawa.
Fishery Patrol and Search tasking
On Saturday 10 Sep 2022 the CLI deployed both vessels for a fishery patrol to support a recreational and commercial fishery north of Sandheads. We counted almost 200 recreational vessels and some commercial vessels north of them. During the day a distress call came in and the Fraser L/B performed a search 2 miles west of the Fraser River’s north arm. As the distress call was not clear, as well as the position where the call came from, the Fraser L/B crew hailed some vessels to ask if they were aware of any vessel in the vicinity that needed assistance. None of them were aware of any vessel needing assistance. Later during the search, we were advised by Coast Guard that it was most likely someone pressing their distress button and not being aware they did this as they were not responding to calls from Coast Guard Radio. The Fraser L/B was stood down and continued their fishery patrol.
Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
It is with a very heavy heart that we all learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Many of us have our own memories of a Queen who taught us all the meaning of duty.
Flags on our lifeboats will remain at half mast until colours the day after the funeral.
“May she rest in peace”
Official portraits of the Queen may be obtained from: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/royal-portraits/order-download-portraits.html