Response times along the Coral Coast have been significantly reduced with the delivery of the purpose-built Cape Endeavour vessel and trailer to Marine Rescue Exmouth.
The new $330,000 vessel and trailer mean the rescue group can more quickly respond to incidents on the west side of the North West Cape Peninsula rather than have to journey by sea from their base on the east side of the cape.
The group's other larger vessel, Ningaloo Endeavour, continues to keep the eastern waters safe.
The Cape Endeavour has already seen response times to the busy western cape halved, and its manoeuvrability has also increased the group's ability to assist neighbouring Marine Rescue and emergency services groups.
Fitted with the latest communications and radar technology, the lightweight 7.5 metre rigid-hulled inflatable boat has been customised to navigate hazardous North West Cape waters.
Marine Rescue Exmouth's 38 registered volunteers have been involved in nearly 40 incidents and vital training exercises over the past year.
The State Government's record $25.6 million commitment to Marine Services over the next three years will enhance the ability of our State's Marine Rescue groups to protect communities along Western Australia's 13,000 kilometre coastline.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
"This is another great example of what can be achieved with the right level of funding and having good working relationships with volunteers.
"When I met with Marine Rescue Exmouth on my travels through the State they told me about their need for a smaller vessel and trailer that could more quickly be launched from the other side of the cape.
"So it is very pleasing that the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has delivered on that request and that the vessel and trailer were locally made.
"I wish Marine Rescue Exmouth all the best with their new vessel and trailer, which I'm told is already making a significant difference to their response times across the region."
