KEY POINTS:
Coastguard Hokianga says its new rescue vessel will increase the speed at which it can get to incidents off the Far North's west coast.
The 9.5 metre vessel, named Pub Charity Hokianga Rescue, will be launched tomorrow at Opononi.
The rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), powered by twin 250 horsepower, four-stroke outboard engines, has an emergency response speed of more than 45 knots.
Hokianga Coastguard president Jeff Cramp said the arrival of the new craft, which replaces an existing 6.8m RHIB named Robert Lowe Rescue, was an important milestone for the unit.
"She has exceeded our expectations and offers new levels of safety, not only for its crew, but its ability to be able to support safe boating in the wider Hokianga area," he said.
"Our crews are usually called out when conditions are such that most boats shouldn't really be out, and the knowledge that we have a boat than can handle those conditions, is not only a source of comfort to our crews, but our families as well."
Coastguard Hokianga has an operational area that extends from Ahipara in the north to Maunganui Bluff in the south.
Coastguard Northern Region chief executive Dean Lawrence said the new vessel would be the fourth to be launched as part of a significant fleet upgrade in the upper North Island.
- NZPA
