Kaikoura lifeboat

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32524, 6 February 1971, Page 14

Kaikoura lifeboat

Sir,—l have read two articles in your paper concerning firstly the rescue of an injured seaman from a coaster and secondly the towing -back to port of a disabled cabin cruiser, both these being done by local Kaikoura fishermen. If I had not bothered to find out I would have wondered where the Kaikoura lifeboat was. The “Kaikoura Star” does even better; not only does it not explain what is wrong with the boat, it even embarrasses the volunteer crew by telling the public that the crew looked as red as their life jackets after coming back to port having missed the rendezvous with the coaster. It should be explained that their radio is at A.W.A. in Wellington and has been so for some weeks —and without their radio the boat is useless at night. This worthwhile volunteer institute could be helped by “The Press” and “Kaikoura Star” rather than disgraced. —Yours etc., HOLIDAY MAKER, AUCKLAND.

January 25, 1971. [Mr W. M. Craig, president of the Kaikoura Lifeboat Committee, replies: “We could not better comment on

‘Holiday Maker’s’ letter than by congratulating and thanking him for his efforts. True to the traditional and worthy history of the now Kaikoura Lifeboat Rescue 11, we will put to sea at any time when mankind is in peril or requires assistance at sea. I have just been informed that the ship’s radio has arrived back in Kaikoura fully reconditioned and will be installed immediately. Subject to satisfactory tests of equipment, a licence to operate our own radio station will be granted."]