Clyde, May 03, 2024 – On Saturday, Coastguard Clyde will host a blessing ceremony to welcome the latest addition to its fleet - the brand-new Clyde Rescue II. Built by KwikKraft Boats NZ (a division of Icon Custom Boats), this 7m Hamilton Jet-powered rescue vessel is a major lift in the Unit’s capability to serve all water users and visitors around Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh River, and the wider Central Otago region.

It replaces the current 5.8m Naiad jet ‘Clyde Coastguard Rescue’ vessel which has a long history of service with Coastguard, beginning its life as a surf rescue vessel in 1992 with Coastguard Sumner in Christchurch. While the old vessel served the Unit well, the crew needed a vessel that had an enclosed cabin for crew protection and more space to work with casualties.

The work of Coastguard Clyde is as diverse as the patch it operates in. In any given season, volunteers are towing boats and stranded jet skis, involved in multi-week river searches, or helping rescue cyclists injured on the region’s winding lakeside cycle trails. Clyde Rescue II is equipped with some impressive features to support volunteers in their lifesaving mahi (work), considering the unique landscape and accessibility of the region. Some of the features include:

  • Jet-power - to provide quicker and more accessible rescue on Central Otago waterways. 
  • Advanced electronic capabilities - including night vision navigation, GPS, and an upgraded radar and tracking system, ensuring precise navigation even in the most challenging conditions.
  • A specialised lowering bow door for seamless access, accommodating bikes or stretchers with ease. 

“We’re so excited to welcome Clyde Rescue II to our fleet,” says Coastguard Clyde President James Robinson. “One of the features that is of particular interest is its easy on and off load capabilities, and improved communication capabilities to overcome signal disruptions in the terrain. Our new vessel represents not only an upgrade in our equipment but also our investment in our volunteers and setting up the Unit for future success.” 

The crew, involving members and volunteers like Barrie Wills, Colin Horsnell, and skippers Tony Smith and James Robinson, each with over 15 years of service, have played a key role in designing and fundraising for the new vessel. The support from Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, Lottery Grants Board, Central Lakes Trust, local sponsors, public contributions through Givealittle, and the Unit’s own funds, has been truly heart-warming and brought this $500,000 project to life.

Notably, more than two years on from the 4UNZ campaign, the arrival of Clyde Rescue II marks another chapter in the legacy of our AC36 project. With four of original 26 chase boats unable to be transformed into Coastguard vessels, they were sold and now these funds are being used to significantly contribute to deserving communities across the motu, like Clyde.

Over 2022/23, Coastguard Clyde’s 13 volunteers contributed 1,379 hours, with 450 hours of practical training and 258 hours exclusively dedicated just to incidents.

Coastguard Tautiaki Moana’s Southern Regional Manager, Rob Creasy said: “Coastguard Clyde is among those smaller Units who consistently step up when needed by their community. The volunteers are skillful, passionate, and determined to achieve the mission of 'saving lives on the water'. This new vessel is a credit to our Clyde volunteers who’ve put untold hours of effort into ensuring they have a vessel that is fit for purpose while always remaining search and rescue ready. Throughout the process, the Unit has been ably supported by Chris Thornton, the Southern Lakes and Seas Unit Support Manager. I also wish to thank the team at Icon, who've helped turn this dream into a reality."

As winter settles in, the addition of Clyde Rescue II is a significant boost for Coastguard Clyde and the Central Otago region, and we celebrate its arrival with the local community. 

Media are welcome at the May 04 ceremony: 
Coastguard Clyde Shed – 16 Springvale Road, Clyde 

For media inquiries and further information, please contact President James Robinson at 021 606 887 or via email at [email protected].