New vessel a rescue asset

Denmark Sea Rescue Group’s new vessel will allow for improved searches during darkness thanks to its state-of-the-art infra-red imaging.

The new 7.5m rigid hull inflatable is powered by twin 175hp Suzuki engines and features all the latest electronics including the infra-red radar.

DSRG president Trent Moore said the boat would be a great asset in enhancing rescues after it was unveiled this week. “Overall, I want our group to be able to be deployed quickly, safely and efficiently with a competent crew,” he said.

“This vessel allows us to do that.

“If we get a call-out, we can put it in the water and our volunteers have complete confidence in this boat.”

Mr Moore said the infra-red radar would have helped his crew during the search for Jack Bray, who was swept from rocks at Boat Harbour in April. “It will be really handy at night — when everything is pitch black to the eye, this will be able to pick up bodies, boats or whatever we might be looking for,” he said. “It would have made the difference for us in that (Jack Bray) search to be able to see waves coming at night time and it would have shown up hotspots.”

The boat, built by Kirby Marine, has been an ongoing project for nine months with funding assistance from Royalties for Regions and Lotterywest. Funding also came from the resale of the old vessel, while Mr Moore thanked the Great Southern Development Commission for its involvement.

DSRG was able to test out the new vessel on Monday night in conjunction with a Denmark Emergency Services training exercise.

Mr Moore said he was thor-oughly impressed with how the vessel had performed in its first significant outing.