A new marine rescue vessel has been officially commissioned in Broome, providing volunteers with the latest search and rescue technology to protect the coastal community.
The vessel, a 10-metre Naiad officially named Redbill III, features high-tech marine electronics such as infrared camera technology and a radio-direction finder for locating emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs).
It also has an open cabin and a tri-axle trailer that allow for beach launching. This design feature was suggested by volunteers from Marine Rescue Broome to ensure the vessel was suited to the region.
The name Redbill III pays homage to the local history of Broome. Redbill was an old pearling lugger built in Fremantle in 1903 which was lost during Tropical Cyclone Rosita in 2000.
This is now the second vessel in Marine Rescue Broome’s fleet, sailing alongside a 7.6m vessel named Ibis.
More than $700,000 from the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) funding was invested in the construction and delivery of Redbill III.
Marine Rescue Broome also received an ESL grant of $83,000 to purchase a tractor capable of towing the vessel.
The new vessel was manufactured by local boat builders here in Western Australia as part of a $4 million contract to construct vessels for the State’s volunteer Marine Rescue service.
This $4 million contract forms part of the McGowan Labor Government’s record $19.5 million investment in marine rescue announced in April 2020.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“When there are emergencies at sea, our Marine Rescue volunteers are often the first responders at the scene and it’s vital our volunteers have access to high-quality vessels and equipment.
“Along with volunteers’ expertise and knowledge of local conditions, this vessel will provide another important asset to conduct life-saving operations.
“It’s also pleasing the volunteers were engaged in the design of this vessel because they understand the local conditions and can ensure the design is tailored to their needs.
“The ocean is a fundamental part of life in Broome and local Marine Rescue volunteers now have two outstanding vessels to continue to keep the community safe.”
