The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) officially opened the newly rebuilt Station 21 in St Francis Bay on May 4 and held a blessing ceremony for two state-of-the-art rescue vessels – the Spirit of St Francis III and the Spirit of ScottSam.
The upgraded station and vessel launch systems represent a significant advancement in facilitating life-saving operations along a coastline renowned for its challenging conditions.
Graeme Harding, Head of NSRI Fleet and Facilities, said, “For many years, ensuring the safe storage of our rescue boats in this harbour has been challenging due to their direct exposure to the ocean.”
“With the new station and entirely re-engineered lifting system, our vessels are now elevated into a sealed boathouse, fully shielded from the sea below, which is a first for this base.”
In the past, boats were kept on open cradles exposed to the elements.
Now, when lifted into the homing position, the boathouse is sealed off from the ocean, significantly improving the vessels’ protection.
The Spirit of St Francis III, a 10.6-metre Gemini Cabin-Class RIB, is equipped with twin 250-horsepower four-stroke Suzuki engines and can reach speeds of up to 36 knots.
The vessel’s cabin offers vital protection for the crew during prolonged offshore operations in challenging conditions.
Sara Jane Smith, NSRI Station Commander for St Francis Bay, said, “The Spirit of St Francis III is exceptionally well-suited to our region.
“Her speed, range, and protection enable us to respond more swiftly and safely in challenging sea conditions.”
The second vessel, the Spirit of ScottSam, is a JetRIB.
It is a rigid inflatable boat powered by a water jet rather than traditional propellers.
This design makes it considerably safer for surf rescues where swimmers or casualties may be in the water nearby.
“The JetRIB has revolutionised inshore and surf rescue,” said Smith.
“Its stability, manoeuvrability, and jet-drive design make it perfect for the dynamic and often unpredictable surf conditions we encounter here.”
In addition to improved vessel handling, the new station provides purpose-built facilities for the volunteer crew.
“Although we still have the original crew room across the way, we now have crew facilities within the boathouse building — and that’s a game changer,” said Smith.
“We now have a small training area, a shower and kitchen facilities, a crew meeting space, and a medical room. It will make a significant difference when training, responding to callouts, or hosting social events.”
The ceremony held on May 4 reflected the NSRI’s continued investment in its stations, volunteers, and vessels as part of its national commitment to saving lives, changing lives, and creating futures, supported entirely by public donations and sponsorships.
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