HOKIANGA COASTGUARD LAUNCH NEW BOAT         

Coastguard Hokianga launched its new 9.5 metre rescue vessel, Pub Charity Hokianga Rescue, following a blessing by local maori elder  and minister John Klaricich at Opononi on the 31st of May.

Built by the AMF Boat Company in Tauranga, the vessel is a 9.5 metre rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and is powered by twin Yamaha 250 horsepower, four stroke outboard engines. This will provide the vessel with an emergency response speed in excess of 45 knots.

Jeff Cramp, President of Coastguard Hokianga says that the much anticipated arrival of Pub Charity Hokianga Rescue is an important milestone for the unit and his team can’t wait for when the vessel becomes operational in the near future.

“She has exceeded our expectations and offers new levels of safety, not only for its crew, but its ability to be able to support safe boating in the wider Hokianga area.”

“Our crews are usually called out when conditions are such that most boats shouldn’t really be out, and the knowledge that we have a boat than can handle those conditions, is not only a source of comfort to our crews, but our families as well”.

Pub Charity Hokianga Rescue was largely funded by a grant from the charitable gaming organisation Pub Charity, along with the support of the ASB Community Trust and local fundraising. Jeff Cramp says that the unit is very appreciative of the support that they have received from the two organisations that have made this project a reality. Pub Charity Hokianga Rescue replaces Coastguard Hokianga’s existing 6.8 metre RHIB, “Robert Lowe Rescue”.

Coastguard Hokianga has an operational area that extends from Maunganui Bluff in the south up to Ahipara in the north. In the year ended 30 June 2007, the unit attended 21 incidents. In addition to running the Dedicated Rescue Vessel and a junior training vessel, Coastguard Hokianga also operates the local Coastguard marine VHF channel 82.