VISAR reopens VG base, to procure new vessel
The Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is to procure a new vessel this year amidst the reopening of their Virgin Gorda Base Station.
This announcement was made by VISAR’s Virgin Gorda action representative, Lars Giersing, at their newly-refurbished office and boathouse on the sister island this month.
“Within the next year or so we plan to purchase a new rescue vessel, for which the funds have already been secured by generous grants, mostly from the bigger establishments in North Sound, such as Oil Nut Bay, Necker Island, Bitter End Yacht Club, and Eustatia Island. The new vessel will be bigger and stronger to be able to handle rescues in the vicinity of Anegada better and safer, as the sea conditions are prone to be more severe than in other parts of the BVI” Giersing said.
Ninth District representative Vincent Wheatley commended the organisation for its dedication and commitment to servicing residents for more than 30 years; especially for their work done during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
“They proved themselves as a crucial service right after Hurricane Irma hit and devastated the BVI. I was part of many a mission helping to distribute supplies to the outer islands. For the first two months after the storm, the rescue vessel ‘Gorda Peak’ was the only medical evacuation option from Virgin Gorda to Peebles Hospital in Tortola. She is getting up in years and I am looking forward to a new boat being ordered this year,” Minister Wheatley said.
Meanwhile, VISAR president Gerard Kraakman said the geographic location of the refurbished base will be critical for the future operations of the organisation.
“Our Virgin Gorda Base Station is a crucial part in the operation of VISAR. Its crew of volunteers covers all incidents in the eastern part of the BVI. This base station is an imperative part not only of the Virgin Gorda community but the entire BVI” said the president.
The Virgin Gorda Crew has been an essential component of VISAR after the 2017 disasters and in 2019 so far has contributed over 350 hours of community service and responded to 10 shouts.
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Great news! Visar thanks for all that you do!!
What about the police marine base it needs some work doing to it. Nobody speaks about the work they do as far as search and rescue and bringing in bodies. They need support too.
They need to step up to their responsibilities as VISAR is only a nonprofit and ALWAYS responding. Them only good for site seeing, wild goat hunting and lobster diving on government’s time and fuel
VISAR , like Cedar, was organised and established to serve a particular group of people.
If they were not here there would be no VISA; no Cedar. That is factual truth.
Some truths are unpopular and would be reacted to in similar fashion, but that reaction does not diminish the truth of the statement.
What a mean thing to say. VISAR responds any time day or night to any call for distress.
If you are referring to the core group of VOLUNTEERS belonging to a certain demographic…I pray for your soul should karma bite you in the a** and you have to give up your pride should you need rescuing or medical assistance while on the water.
What the h**l does that have to do with the very vital contributions made by VISAR in a territory deemed the “sailing capital of the world”. Their service is very much needed and appreciated.
Thumbs up to VISAR.
It’s people like you holding back the progress of the BVI
None sense. Climb back into your “only your world view exist” and all other should know world truth, but should remain dumb, and not express it, so you can live an un-reminded life.
Some uncomfortable truths are meant to shake up minds like yours.
Get use to it. The 21st is signifying an awakening of the minds of Brown people.
The 22nd will bring drastic and permanent change to the status quo and the privilege you so bask in today.