Coastguard forced to quit marina base
Boaties on some of the world’s most treacherous waters are being monitored from an office in the Porirua city centre, after a fire destroyed the coastguard’s communications base.
Coastguard Mana president Peter Feely said about $20,000 of communication and rescue gear was lost when an electrical fire on August 14 destroyed the group’s portacom base at the Mana wharf.
The loss of the equipment would be covered by insurance, but without a base the group was unable to do its job – saving lives.
‘‘To be operational and comply with maritime law, we must have a base from which we can track and communicate with our vessels out on the water,’’ he said.
‘‘If we’re doing a search and rescue operation, we must have the ability to communicate ... the ability to manage the situation from a shore base.’’
Porirua City Council has come to the group’s aid and allowed them temporary use of the emergency management office in the city centre.
‘‘At least now we are technically able to operate, but there’s a large distance between us and the crew, 5 or 6 kilometres, and at 3am, it’s not ideal.’’
The group was searching for a new property as close to the marina as possible, he said. Waterfront property was always in demand, but he hoped the Porirua and Wellington community could help with the organisation’s accommodation crisis.
‘‘We’re really hoping someone may come forward with some space on the waterfront that we could use. We’re definitely open to offers, any offers.’’
The Mana Coastguard covers a large area of the Wellington region’s west coast, from north of Pukerua Bay, over Cook Strait to the top of Queen Charlotte Sound and back to just south of Porirua.
‘‘We also look after some of the most treacherous waters in the world, the Cook Strait, and Mana Marina is the closest safe port to the sounds.’’
The organisation’s busiest time was fast approaching and it was important it could continue its work.
‘‘It’s in spring when things get really busy because people have had the winter off and they’re ready to get back in the boat ... we need to be ready for that.’’