Category: rescue

USCG helicopter arriving at sunken sailboat

Sunken sailboat

USCG helicopter arriving at sunken sailboat

USCG arriving to sunken sailboat

On Saturday 29^th August 2020 while in transit between Sand Heads and Active Pass, the Delta Lifeboat received a signal that a BC Ferry had sighted what appeared to be a sunken vessel barely awash in the ferry lanes.  Having been given a good position the lifeboat altered course to investigate.

Coming on the scene it was found to be a small fibreglass vessel, probably about 20’ long with its bow straight down and only about 5’ of the stern sticking vertically out of the water.

Being in US waters, communications were established with US Coast Guard Puget Sound and a situation report was passed.  The lifeboat was requested to commence a box search to find any other floating material.  A USCG helicopter was tasked from Port Angeles as was a response boat from the Bellingham Coast Guard station.

When the helicopter arrived on scene and radio communications were established, the lifeboat was asked to go alongside the vessel and bang on the hull in case a person was trapped inside.  Shortly afterwards the USCG vessel arrived and after passing all known info the Delta Lifeboat was stood down and able to continue on its mission.

While the Canadian Coast Guard was kept fully informed it appeared an incident the night before might be related.  A small vessel had been in trouble off Porlier Pass and the hovercraft rescued 2 survivors.   Although an attempt was made to save the vessel the tow line parted twice so it was abandoned in rough seas.

It is believed that this vessel, now deemed a hazard to navigation, was the same one now drifting in US waters.  Over the next 2 days, dozens of sightings were reported to Coast Guard radio.

A post-incident follow up with the hovercraft base reported the vessel as the S.V Pickle, 12’ in length with a broad beam.  The hovercraft was later tasked to recover the vessel and transported it to the Sea Island Coast Guard Base.

The danger of boating alone was brought home to a Richmond resident when his small 11-foot aluminium boat suddenly started to take on water and sink leaving him swimming for this life.

On Thursday 27 Aug 2020, the Delta Lifeboat was returning into Sea Reach to the Delta Lifeboat Station in Ladner from an evening of training. At 20:45 one of the lookouts reported debris in the water ahead. It was now after sunset and getting dark.

On closer investigation, it was found to be a submerged small boat with loose gear that had floated free. Suddenly one of the lookouts reported he could hear a cry for help. Switching on Delta L/B’s powerful searchlights revealed a man in the water waving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fraser Lifeboat received a call during the CLI Lifeboat Day of a vessel aground South of Sand Heads. Fraser departed Ladner and headed out to Sand Heads. The stricken vessel had hydraulic problems, no steering, and only a single person aboard. As the tide was rising, the vessel went adrift and Fraser crew advised him to drop anchor. Once on-scene the crew waited for tide changes to determine if there was enough clearance to safely render a tow. With an average depth of 8 feet, the vessel was securely towed back to Steveston Harbour, where it was secured to the government dock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Canada Day both Lifeboats conducted safety patrols throughout the day.

Fraser L/B started at 09:00 and immediately became aware of a large amount of debris in the water from the Freshet. The crew discovered a vessel aground off Kirkland Island, and the details were called into Coast Guard Radio and Rescue Centre was advised. Two pax were on board and another in a small RHIB. The tide was too low to help and advised we would check again later. The patrol continued to Shelter Island at which time Coast Guard Radio asked if we could go back and check on their status. The Fraser L/B arrived back on the scene and assessed the situation, a tow was offered; however, the persons now declined and said they would wait for the higher tide and float off.

Delta Lifeboat relieved the Fraser Lifeboat at 1300 to conduct a safety patrol on the Fraser River, between the tunnel and Sandheads.  The weather was poor with light rain and a 10 knot SE wind.  This obviously greatly reduced the number of recreational boaters that would normally be out.

During her patrol, Fraser had sighted a small vessel aground off Kirkland Island but not requiring assistance.

Later, the Coast Guard requested a status report and following a search of the area Delta L/B was able to advise that the vessel was no longer in the area and had obviously refloated and departed.

Delta L/B proceeded to Sandheads and later returned to Ladner at 1830.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most sporting events have been cancelled.   However, the Royal Naval Sailing Association’s annual Single Handed Yacht Race did take place on 06 Jun 2020 in partnership with the West Vancouver Yacht Club, normally racing from Vancouver to Nanaimo and return.

This year’s race was shortened with strict personal safety in mind.

The Delta Lifeboat” has served as safety vessel for the race for 42 years and this year’s assistance was given to a 38′ yacht that suffered a rigging malfunction.  The sock for the spinnaker got stuck at the top of the mast and it was impossible to contain or lower the spinnaker.

The Lifeboat launched her RHIB and two crew members transferred to the yacht to assist the lone skipper.   With no other option left to resolve the situation, they winched him up to the masthead to effect repairs.

On completion, the RHIB returned to the Lifeboat.  The yacht retired from the race and returned to harbour under power.

The Lifeboat continued to follow the race back to Point Gray to ensure all participants were safe.

The race over, transit was made back to the Ladner Lifeboat Station ending a 12-hour deployment.

Owing to the current situation the crew was restricted to 5 members and safety protocols were in place.

The day’s weather had been variable starting with heavy rain, thunder and lightning, and winds from 10-20 knots.  It cleared later to sunshine and pleasant 10-knot wind.

Even with all the restrictions and the shortened course, 50 yachts enjoyed a fantastic race and the Delta Lifeboat crew proved their worth.   “BZ”.