Coastguard Riverton started 50 years ago when two teenagers lost their lives on the Riverton bar was the catalyst for the community to form the Taremea Bay Rescue Unit with a second hand clinker built wooden boat and an equally second hand outboard motor. Later they became the Riverton Volunteer Lifeboat Institute and then six years ago they became Coastguard Riverton. In all five people have drowned in Foveaux Strait. Early members Jack Burns, Murray Beer and Steve Bickley have been honoured with three of the six life memberships awarded by Coastguard Rivertson, acknowledging their contribution to the success of our organisation.
The photo is of the 8.5m Naiad ‘Russell John Chisholm’ and some of its crew.
The ‘ Russell John Chisholm’ came into service in August 1999. Named for the young boy who was one of four people who lost their lives in a tragic air accident in Foveaux Strait. Russell’s family and friends raised the funds to purchase this vessel.
We don’t do this to be rewarded
Coastguard Riverton crew are well trained in search and rescue operations. In the twelve months to 30 June 2009 the 20 Professional Volunteers of Coastguard Riverton gave 2,338 hours of service to their community. 5 calls for assistance were responded to along with 5 Police initiated search and rescue operations. Saving 17 people last year is the reward that our people value.
Since July 2009 our Volunteers have given at total of 2,763 hours, including 5 hours in Search & Rescue operations and 768 hours training.
16 people have been assisted as a result of 5 assistance calls and 4 Police initiated search and rescue operations between July 2009 and January 2010.
