The waters around Ladner just got a lot safer thanks to the arrival of the re-dedicated Delta Lifeboat.
On Saturday morning, the Corporation of Delta and volunteers from the Canadian Lifeboat Institution (CLI) held a re-dedication ceremony at the government wharf in Ladner. The former Steveston Lifeboat, now dedicated as the Delta Lifeboat, will be permanently based at Ladner Harbour. Operated by CLI, the vessel will provide patrols for search and rescue support to the local fishing and pleasure craft community.
The Delta Lifeboat is a 52-foot all-weather vessel with a long history of search and rescue in the Fraser River and Strait of Georgia. CLI is an extraprovincial not-for-profit society that also operates the Fraser Lifeboat out of Steveston Harbour in Richmond.
"We are honoured to have the Delta Lifeboat patrolling the Ladner waterfront," said Mayor Lois Jackson. "We have a robust fishing and boating community, whose reputation for safety is paramount to our community identity."
In March, the CLI approached Delta requesting to re-locate one of its lifeboats to Ladner.
Prior to Aug. 19, the CLI operated both vessels out of Steveston.
Tsawwassen resident John Horton is the captain of the Delta Lifeboat.
He said by spreading their footprint on the water they can better serve the needs of both communities up and down the river.
"Apart from our regular search and rescue role, which is of course our most important role, we will be available for any operations that Delta wants to conduct on the water," said Horton. "They sometimes have to get out to check on dikes or abandoned vessels, so we would assist them with that. We would also be able to assist with police or fire should they need to get out on the water."
Horton said they also play a major role in prevention on the river, specifically for the commercial and native fisheries.
"We ensure safe passage for larger vessels and make sure that none of the nets during these fisheries get tangled up. Our efforts certainly help to prevent accidents on the river," he said. "Delta has been absolutely brilliant. They have gone beyond what anyone could have expected. We are just very happy to have this vessel here in Ladner, while also maintaining another vessel in Steveston."
Horton added the CLI is always looking for volunteers both to crew on the boat and support volunteers.
To find out more details, contact Horton at 604-760-5218.
