Swish new rescue boat alights in Port Douglas
Shire volunteers
A brand new $1.2m volunteer rescue boat has arrived in Port Douglas.
Part of a State Government plan to upgrade rescue boats across Queensland, Douglas Shire volunteer rescuers have been keenly awaiting the arrival for months.
Marine Rescue Port Douglas president Ross Wood said the about 40-strong volunteer group was "very pleased”.
“Can you see how enthusiastic everyone is?” he said yesterday.
“They reckon it’s one of the best boats they’ve built, they’re very positive about it.
“And, yeah, it’s a lovely boat.”
Once the volunteers have been trained to operate the powerful 11.5m twin-engine boat across the coming two months, it will assume its rightful place near the Tin Shed ready to undertake sea rescues between Ellis Beach and Hope Island.
The cabin is fully air conditioned and the boat can carry about six hours worth of fuel, so the rescue capabilities are improving significantly.
The Government’s about $22m vessel replacement program began last year to help modernise the fleet when the Volunteer Marine Rescue and Australian Volunteer Coast Guard began a merger program.
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