Category: rescue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

Delta Lifeboat sailed on 01 Sep 2022 to participate in the Victoria Classic boat Festival.  En route, the lifeboat was tasked to join the search for a person lost overboard south of Fulford Harbour.  DELTA L/B was tasked to conduct a shoreline search of the harbour.   An hour later an unconscious male was located by a coastguard lifeboat off Portland Island and DELTA L/B was stood down.   Unfortunately, the victim did not survive.

Continuing on for Victoria DELTA L/B ran into zero visibility fog.  Lookouts were doubled and both radars were closely monitored.  Several close targets were plotted and it was noted that no fog horns were heard from any opposing vessels.

After navigating through Baynes Channel a radio call from the converted fishing vessel ‘Contenda’ was received requesting a tow into Victoria.  DELTA L/B returned to Cadboro Point and took the vessel in tow securing her in Victoria.

During the festival DELTA L/B served as the medical guard ship, working closely with volunteer members of St. John Ambulance who made a generous donation of an oxygen kit to the CLI.   A few minor medical incidents were handled with John Horton assisting a lady with a badly scalded hand.

Following the festival, DELTA L/B slipped at 0600 on Monday for transit back to Ladner.  While closing Zero Rock, lookouts reported sighting an abandoned skiff.  Following an assessment that concluded no person was missing; the skiff was towed to Canoe Cove and secured.  The transit to Ladner was conducted with no further incidents.

While in Victoria a reception was held on Saturday evening aboard DELTA L/B.  Approximately 40 guests enjoyed friendship and camaraderie.   Many Naval friends also joined us and Commodore David Mazur lowered the ensign during the Sunset Ceremony which was sounded by John More on the Bugle.   A moment enjoyed by all.   It is also noted that one of the invited guests who could not attend made a generous financial donation to the CLI.

 

 

 

Both FRASER and DELTA Lifeboats conducted safety patrols over the long weekend from 20-23 May 2022. As this was the first long weekend of the boating season we expected it to be fairly busy.

Lots of commercial traffic was observed on 20 and 21 May, with kayakers and very few pleasure boaters out.

On 23 May the Delta Lifeboat responded to a PAN PAN call from a pleasure craft that ran out of fuel off buoy S6 in the Fraser River. It was determined a tow was required to the fuel dock in Steveston as commercial assistance was refused.

Overall, it was a fairly quiet long weekend and we were happy to render assistance where required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the easing of COVID restrictions, the West Vancouver Yacht Club was able to hold its annual classic Southern Street Yacht Race. WVYC requested CLI give safety and communications support for the race and so the Delta Lifeboat transited to Fisherman’s Cove on Thursday, April 14 with a crew of 7 where they were treated to dinner and attended the pre-race meeting.

    Following breakfast, on good Friday the lifeboat transited to Dundarave pier where she came to anchor for the start. Ashore CLI volunteers erected the tent and engaged many of the spectators who had come down to view the start.

    At 10:30 the first division crossed the line en route for their first turn mark at Sisters Islands. The other divisions followed in order to race over long, medium, short and inshore courses.

    After weighing anchor, the Delta L/B set course for Sisters Island keeping pace with the leaders in a rising southeast wind and sea. Monitoring radios and keeping visual watch kept lookouts and plot busy. Heavy rain showers and a cold wind made the half-hour watch changes even more important for the crew to keep everybody alert and warm. Also, experience was gained in all positions.

    Sisters Island was reached at 17:25. The drogue was deployed to reduce drift while hands went to supper while maintaining visual and radio watch. At 19:25 with most of the long course yachts having rounded Sisters, it was decided to cruise slowly to Ballenas Island as both long and medium course yachts would be rounding throughout the night.

    Arriving at Ballenas Island at 21:20 it was decided the best plan of action was to anchor on the east side where a visual watch could be maintained out over the Gulf. The crew went into an anchor / communication watch enabling the off-watch crew to sleep.

    At 03:50 on Saturday morning a call from Race Control alerted the lifeboat that a MOB beacon was being received. Calling all hands the beacon’s GPS position was plotted and JRCC was advised who declared a Mayday.

    Delta L/B weighed anchor following a quick briefing and proceeded to the last known position. At 04:35 JRCC stood Delta L/B down as it was determined the MOB beacon had been accidentally activated and all crew of the yacht ‘Intuition’ were safe and accounted for. Delta L/B returned to the previous anchorage.

    Following colours and breakfast, Delta L/B weighed at 08:10 and proceeded at slow speed to track the races tail end boats. After coming up on them it was decided to travel back with them to the finish line.

    The winds during the night had switched to the N.W. varying between 10-20 knots now with heavy rain clouds over various parts, bright sunny periods were experienced.

    At 13:37, while sailing south of Keats Island, the lookouts reported a RHIB adrift. Closing to investigate it appeared to have broken adrift because the painter was in the water. There was no outboard or oars and nothing but a bailer inside. JRCC was advised and being sure this was not a MOB situation the RHIB was hauled aboard where an investigation showed it was from Bellingham Washington. However, an identification plate marking had been etched out.

    Continuing onto Point Atkinson Delta L/B stood down from race duties and proceeded south to the Fraser River taking green seas in and 18 knots northwesterly.  Delta L/B secured at its lifeboat station 173:7. The crew all performed well maintaining the watch system for 34 hours. Grateful thanks were received from the race committee and Don Smith at Coastguard radio.