With the annual herring fishery fast approaching, local fishers are leaving for the grounds.
Since fishing is an essential service, Worksafe BC and Fishsafe BC have set up protocols to keep fishers safe.
The Delta Lifeboat will again be assisting the fleet and left Ladner on Sunday morning with her all-volunteer crew for the fishing grounds that encompass an area between Nanaimo and Comox.
This year, the crew will sport their COVID-19 protective masks and adhere to new additions to their work routines including physical distancing and enhanced hygiene measures to ensure they are safe as well as highly operational. All protocols have been mandated by Worksafe BC and Fishsafe BC.
Generous donations were made by the Seafood Producers Association and the Canadian Fishing Company in support of the search and rescue roll of the Delta Lifeboat.
Last year the Delta Lifeboat was tasked to three incidents during the fishery that included two medivacs with injured fishermen and one vessel that was in danger of sinking. In all cases the lifeboat was on scene in less than five minutes.
The Delta Lifeboat will remain with the fleet throughout the fishery, which is expected to last about two weeks.
The Delta Lifeboat is owned and operated by the Canadian Lifeboat Institution, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.
