Fraser Lifeboat conducted a Family Day safety patrol on 19 Feb 2024. No sooner had we left Steveston Harbour than we were called by a tug stating a small vessel needed assistance near Steveston Bend. We found a small aluminum boat with fishing gear and a single occupant with an overheated engine. We advised Coast Guard Radio and then towed him back to the fuel dock and continued on our patrol. We saw several commercial vessel along the way including a deeps heading for Fraser Surrey Wharfs. These patrols provide an added level of response to mariners and gives our crew valuable experience.
Ground search for missing Tsawwassen man – Nov 2023
From 02 – 04 Nov 2023 several crew members participated in a search for an 86-year-old missing elderly male. The search was conducted both in Tsawwassen and in Point Roberts, WA. Our members aided the Whatcom Country Sheriff’s Office in their search. Sadly, the person was found deceased by non-CLI SAR members. Our condolences go out to friends and family of the gentleman.
CLI RNSA Single Handed Race 2023
The 49th annual running of the RNSA Single-Handed Race was held on Saturday 3rd of June and Sunday 4th of June 2023. The weather was perfect with 10-15 knot SE wind on Saturday and 20- 25 NW knots on Sunday. 27 yachts were registered and the ‘Delta L/B’ deployed as the safety / committee boat. With a crew of five plus four Race committee members aboard, Delta L/B set up the start line at Point Grey and the finish line at Snake Island (Nanaimo). Only 1 yacht failed to finish within the time limit. Delta L/B monitored the radios as well as a visual watch throughout the race in case of any accidents. A race dinner was held in the Nanaimo yacht club, enjoyed by all.
The Sunday return race was more of a challenge owing to the stronger winds and 3 yachts retired even before the start, owing to gear failures and one medical situation. Delta L/B again anchored south of the Point Grey bell buoy for the finish. All participants had an exciting return leg with a quartering sea of 4 to 5 feet.
As Delta L/B was preparing to weigh anchor, a tasking was issued
for Delta L/B to assist a 21-foot power boat low on fuel in 5’ seas not
sure if they could make safe harbour. The position given was off the
North Arm. Delta L/B began to weigh anchor but found it foul of the
bottom. CGD radio was advised. Even though there was a strong flood tide and a five-foot sea running, Delta L/B was worked around 180 degrees with the engine reversing the pull on the anchor! Luckily this worked and the foul anchor was freed. Delta L/B then proceeded to assist the 21’ power boat. Ten minutes later CGD radio advised the position given was wrong and the vessel was off Passage Island. Delta L/B changed course for West Van to then being advised the vessel had made it into Fisherman’s Cove.
Delta L/B proceeded to the WVYC where the race committee and two CLI crewmembers disembarked. Delta L/B returned to Ladner transiting the North Arm to New Westminster and down to Ladner. A good safe deployment by all and excellent training.
Night towing assist – Mar 2023
During Thurs night training, the Fraser L/B came across 2 vessels near S19 in apparent difficulty. The 44′ ferro cement sailboat Van Kam with one person on board had lost power and was being towed by a small vessel that was having difficulty with the tow. Fraser took over and brought the vessel into Steveston and alerted CG radio. The sailboat had sustained some damage caused by the other vessel, apparently, they struck some pilings. This was also a wonderful opportunity for Ron, our coxswain in training under the watchful eye of senior coxswain David.
The person on the sailboat indicated they didn’t want to call a PAN PAN and were afraid of being charged for rescue. This highlights a common misunderstanding amongst many pleasure boaters. SAR is never charged, and the damage sustained could have been avoided if an earlier response happened.
Chum Fishery Patrol and Tow – Oct 2022
On 23 Oct 2022, during a chum fishery patrol, the Delta Lifeboat received a call from CG Radio about a black disabled vessel (possibly a SeaDoo) near S23.
The RHIB was sent to locate and found the vessel close to Woodwards Landing. A low line was passed, and the vessel was towed until meeting Delta Lifeboat which towed it to Captains Cove Marina, where the RHIB took over and assisted the vessel to its slip.