The Cockburn Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Group’s newest vessel, the Assure.
Camera IconThe Cockburn Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Group’s newest vessel, the Assure. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Assure: Cockburn Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Group getting good use out of new boat

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

THE Cockburn Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Group’s newest vessel has been in use less than a month but already has some stories to tell.

Sea Rescue commander Brad Nicholas said the Assure, a $500,000 water craft built by Bibra Lake’s Shockwave Powercats, had been a welcome addition.

“In the short three weeks that Assure has held a certificate of operation, it has towed several vessels back to shore and has rescued four people from the water suffering early stages of hypothermia,” he said.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“(They were) two kite surfers and most recently two skydivers that missed their landing zone off Rockingham and crashed into the water.”

Commander Nicholas said the new vessel, funded by government grants and other sponsorships, would compliment its existing rescue boat Avail IV and expand the volunteer group’s search and rescue capability.

Both vessels are equipped to handle day and night rescues and are put to use when boats breakdown, sink, are on fire, hit reefs, for medical incidents and medivacs, and in searches for missing boats and people.

On Saturday, an official launch ceremony was held at the Cockburn Power Boats Association where the boats are based, with more than 100 guests in attendance.

The Cockburn Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Group is made up of 22 volunteers and helps in more than 200 police authorised rescues every year.

More information about Cockburn Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Group.