Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 61 Pender Harbour

Hey Pender Harbour Rotary Club... your generous donation helps to update our navigation gear. We needed this! A great big thank-you from our crew to yours! https://www.coastreporter.net//fe/pender-rotary-1.24200780

When the wind blows , 61 goes ! Strong winds can sometimes cause extra challenges. Like trying to recover this small unoccupied vessel. But thankfully, our coxswains are provided world class training through the CCG RHIOT school and our own HQ training facility. The vessel was unoccupied which is always alarming but the Joint Rescue Coordination Center was quick to track down the vessel owners who were safe and sound much to everyones relief

This morning our crew was tasked to a dramatic rescue in the Malaspina Strait. A 40ft sailboat caught in a SE Gale was taking on water and had no operating power other than sail power. Fortunately the stricken vessel and skipper was able to broadcast a mayday and our crew was able to assist. While we NEVER want you to hesitate to call for help and we are ALWAYS commited to our primary purpose of saving lives on the water regardless of the reasons or risks we want to share this letter from the CCG to the seafaring public. Be safe , be prepared , when you need us , we will be there.

Early Friday morning we were tasked to assist this sleepy sailor who was having a rocky start to the day. This marked a milestone mission for our station with 200 missions. A good time to show our gratitude to the organizations and persons who support our lifesaving efforts. And of course, the dedicated and selfless volunteers who commit endless hours to training and preparation for when the pager sounds !

Via Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Centre: Canadian Red Cross First Aid and Water Safety Webinars Free and open to everyone.... July 15: Lifejackets - the best one is the one you wear! Sign up for these short, fun, interactive, kid-friendly webinars (link below) that also promote safety.

This morning our crew was tasked to a dramatic rescue in the Malaspina Strait. A 40ft sailboat caught in a SE Gale was taking on water and had no operating power other than sail power. Fortunately the stricken vessel and skipper was able to broadcast a mayday and our crew was able to assist. While we NEVER want you to hesitate to call for help and we are ALWAYS commited to our primary purpose of saving lives on the water regardless of the reasons or risks we want to share this letter from the CCG to the seafaring public. Be safe , be prepared , when you need us , we will be there.

As the weather gets nicer and the days longer, the temptation will be great to head out on the water. We would respectfully ask you to remember that, as a general rule, any travel at this time, marine as otherwise, should be restricted to what is necessary and essential.

Today Station 61 takes a moment to honor our military veterans, first responders who have fallen in the line of duty and those who continue to serve their country, their communities and those around them. Heroes one and all.

As always, we strive to uphold our mandate to Save Lives on the Water. With the current threat of COVID-19 in mind, Station 61 has moved to suspend all non-essential gatherings of our crew (training, meetings, etc.) and take extra precautions during vessel maintenance in order to reduce the risk of potential exposure to ourselves and, by extension, to anyone who might require our services. We believe that this will allow us to stay in the best shape possible for when you need us. Sincerely, Station 61 - Pender Harbour

Saturday afternoon was perfect for a quick training run... started with a route planning exercise, combined with station keeping at the entrance to Hidden Basin. Beautiful day, excellent skills practice!

On Sunday, crew from Station 61 headed Powell River to partake in an interoperability exercise with our fellow first-responder/public safety units including Station 60, Tla’amin Nation, RCMP, CCG and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. We take pride in being a team, both within our station and in the greater SAR network in BC. Huge thanks to all involved in organizing!

We want to make sure you can always find us, so we've launched a new website! Head to rcmsar61.ca whenever you need a quick and easy reminder of how to get help in any marine emergencies.

Our Brothers and Sisters of the PHVFD are hosting their annual open house. This is a fun event with lifesaving equipment on display , local firefighters and of course , the star of the season, SANTA on Engine 4 ! Dont miss this one! Food and drinks for everyone along with holiday cheer!

Today Station 61 takes a moment to honor our military veterans, first responders who have fallen in the line of duty and those who continue to serve their country, their communities and those around them. Heroes one and all.