‘Cape Rose’ to the rescue

Australian boatbuilder Dongara Marine has delivered its first RIB, Cape Rose, to Marine Rescue Shark Bay, a volunteer-staffed marine rescue service active in Denham, Western Australia (WA). Funded by WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Cape Rose was ordered to replace an older response vessel, Rescue 3.

Cape Rose’s aluminium hull features an extended V-form and forefoot to benefit seakeeping in Indian Ocean conditions off the WA coast. The RIB has also been fitted with Zipwake KB-450 interceptors, for dynamic trim control. The hull is combined with a D-section collar, manufactured by Wangara-based West RIBs, that consists of “polyethylene foam laser cut to suit the gunnel shape, with a Polymar outer and PVC rubbing strip”, Dongara says.

The three-man crew operates inside an enclosed cabin, fitted with Shockwave suspension seats for the helm and navigator’s positions, and housing a small storage space and refrigerator forward. The cabin sides extend well aft of these positions, to shield crew from harsh weather, though sliding windows enable Cape Rose’s complement to converse with personnel on other boats or quayside. Both sides of the cabins are fitted with fold-down ladders, and the rear of the cabin is open for unobstructed access to the aft work deck, which is sheltered by a hardtop canopy. The aft deck features a heavy-duty tow post with a SWL of 2tonnes.

Cape Rose achieved a top speed of 38knots in her sea trials, care of twin Yamaha F200 4-cylinder outboards, rated just under 150kW apiece. To assist SAR missions, especially at night, the boat is equipped with a Sanshin searchlight, Ultra Vision LED deck/ flood lights, a FLIR M324CS thermal camera and an OceanLED EYES HD Gen2 underwater camera. Meanwhile, the boat’s communications package comprises a Simrad VHF radio (with in-built AIS), an Iridium satphone and a Cel-Fi cellphone repeater.

Although Cape Rose constitutes Dongara Marine’s first RIB, the builder doesn’t intend her to be its last: the company has secured contracts for a further three RIBs, including: a 7m model, contracted by WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services for Marine Rescue Jurien Bay; and two waterjet-powered variants for undisclosed clients.

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Cape Rose