It’s been two months since the devastating Auckland Anniversary Weekend flooding which caused a landslide to wipe out Coastguard Titirangi’s base at French Bay.
Thanks to ongoing support and efforts from Coastguard Titirangi volunteers, fellow Coastguard Units, CNZ and the community, work is well underway to have Lenses Online Rescue back on the Manukau Harbour as soon as possible. Here’s a full update from Coastguard Titirangi President Maarten Van Der Zeyden.
On Lenses Online Rescue:
Our vessel suffered damage to the cabin top, mast, radar, and some of the lighting. The most significant repair required is the straightening of the cabin top and rebuilding the mast. Along with the damage to the boat, our trailer also sustained damage to the axles. We’re coordinating repairs for both the boat and trailer simultaneously. Thankfully, there has been a great collaboration between Titirangi volunteers, CNZ, the marine surveyor, and the insurance loss adjuster.
On Coastguard Titirangi’s volunteers and base:
We’ve had great support from Coastguard Auckland and offers of help from other Units to keep our people current and continue developing new skills. We’re using the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre, French Bay Yacht Club and a variety of facilities to keep the Unit connected and classroom training running. We're also working on options for a new temporary base with support from CNZ and Auckland Council. As a result of the extensive damage in the area (and elsewhere across the country), the future of French Bay is still subject to engineering and planning review. At present, we haven’t been able to clear the demolition debris from the base due to road subsidence which would also impact getting temporary buildings or containers on site.
I’d like to personally thank everyone who has sent us messages of support and financial assistance. It’s been extremely heart-warming for our volunteers to know people have our backs, in the same way that we have people’s backs out on the water. I’d also like to acknowledge our sponsors Lenses Online who have continued their generous support of the unit and Chesters Plumbing who donated the proceeds of their annual fishing competition and auction to the unit – it means a lot to us to have fantastic community support at this difficult time.
