Two new vessels have taken to South Australian waters with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and the South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) launching their newest patrol and search and rescue watercrafts.
The PIRSA’s newest fisheries patrol vessel in South Australia, the FPV Storm, was officially launched at the West Beach facility by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven.
It will be used by Fisheries Officers to patrol inland and metropolitan waters adjacent to Adelaide, between Port Wakefield and the Coorong.
The new vessel boosts the capabilities of PIRSA to protect South Australia’s aquatic resources.
The Department’s fleet also includes the flagship 24-metre offshore patrol vessel, FPV Southern Ranger, with a range of 1,000 nautical miles and seven other multi-purpose, long-range patrol vessels based around the State.
Meanwhile, the SASES has commissioned a new, state-of-the-art rescue boat for its Port Pirie Unit.
The purpose-built vessel will greatly enhance the marine search and rescue capability in and around Port Pirie, while ensuring volunteers operate in a safe environment.
Chief Officer of the SASES, Chris Beattie said the vessel would provide valuable local support to rescue operations as well as supporting neighbouring marine rescue units.
“The new rescue boat will enable our volunteers to operate more safely and for longer periods of time across a wide range of weather and sea conditions,’’ Mr Beattie (pictured) said.
“Our focus remains on keeping the community safe and having the capability to respond efficiently to requests for assistance, while ensuring our volunteers have the right tools of the trade,’’ the Chief Officer said.
