New rescue boats set for Raby Bay VMR

Base spokesman Carsten Thomsen said a $35,000 grant, delivered through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, meant a 4.5 metre rigid inflatable vessel would soon join the ranks.

He said the about 60-horsepower boat would be a much needed replacement for the base’s former tender – an aged tinnie, which was decommissioned a year ago.

“It had become so old and dented that we sold it to a member circa 12 months ago,” Mr Thomsen said.

“We haven’t had a small response vessel since then as we were waiting for the grant to come through.”

Mr Thomsen said the crew were delighted when they found out last month their application for the funds, lodged two years ago, had been approved.

“It has been long in the coming,” he said.  

Mr Thomsen said quotes from various boat manufacturers had been sought, with the order soon to be lodged.

The inflatable, to be fitted with its own outboard, would mean the hassle of attaching a motor onto a tender for sea-to-shore rescue missions would be avoided.

Quicker dispatch times were also guaranteed as the inflatable could be driven to site or towed, rather loaded onto a larger rescue vehicle for transportation.

“It will be used for quick response jobs and will be of particular use in shallow water rescues when the two big white rescue boats can’t get access because of their draft,” Mr Thomsen said.

Mr Thomsen said the vessel’s delivery in the next three months would be followed later this year by the arrival of a new 7.5 metre rigid inflatable boat, to be named RBIV.

Commodore Bennett announced in April at the base’s open day that the $250,000 rescue boat had been ordered.

He said the boat, which is an upgraded replacement vessel, would have a foam-filled hull and inflatable tubes, two 175-horsepower outboards, a hardtop canopy, four seats and a 350-litre fuel tank.

“It’s handle will be better and there will be more creature comforts,” he said.

Commodore Bennett, who collects Raby Bay VMR donations from pub goers in the Redlands and Brisbane City on Friday nights, said the new $250,000 boat had been purchased using funds raised.

He said people could make donations to Raby Bay VMR crew stationed at Stockland’s Woolworths at Cleveland on Saturday mornings.

“It always amazes me at how generous people are,” Commodore Bennett said.

The Raby Bay VMR is at 17 William Street, Cleveland. Visit their Facebook page here.