Dear Editor,
Reports concerning the Canadian Lifeboat Institution (CLI) and the Steveston Lifeboat’s collision with the seawall near Steveston require clarification.
Search and rescue (SAR) operations are dispatched by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria operated by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Canadian Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, RCM-SAR) members are the on-duty and on-call resources that respond to emergencies like the collision involving the Steveston Lifeboat.
The CLI is a registered charity associated to two local vessels. The Transport Canada Vessel Registration Query System indicates the Steveston Lifeboat was built in 1944 and is owned by John Malcolm Horton, of Delta. Although not a search and rescue vessel, it may be a vessel of opportunity just like a tug, a fishing boat or any other vessel if it’s in the right place at the right time and able to render assistance. Experienced CLI volunteers can help in promoting boating safety by working with other stakeholders and the vessels are historically significant and supporting them is worthwhile. However, transparency in fundraising is important and the description of the Steveston Lifeboat as a search and rescue vessel is inaccurate.
Whether SAR volunteers go into the dark mountains or out on stormy seas, they depend on modern and effective equipment acquired with donations from the public. Maritime search and rescue operations are an integral part of public safety and dedicated full-time Coast Guard members, supplemented by on-call Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue volunteers respond 24/7. Public support of volunteer search and rescue organizations is vital and appreciated.
Andy Hobbs
Richmond
