The Richmond detachment of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue named its newly-acquired vessel after Barry Hastings - a 28-year member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The boat was named at Britannia Shipyards Saturday morning.
"Not many people live up to the rigorous standards of a lofty term like 'hero'," wrote fellow Marine Search and Rescue member Mike Sinclair in an email.
"Barry Hastings goes a long way to doing just that, though."
On top of his 28 years with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Hastings was a radio officer for 35 years. He has crewed many missions in foul weather, authored numerous wellused training manuals and dedicated countless, unpaid hours to help safeguard the sea-faring public.
Hastings humbly addressed the crowd, who cheered in his honour.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie, MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay and other MLAs and councillors witnessed this special occasion. Due to the expense of cabin boats and the Marine Search and Rescue's nonprofit status, such an opportunity to acquire a new vessel and honour a member occurs infrequently.
The new boat is 35-feet long and powered by twin 250 outboard motors, which contrasts the first vessel received in 1993 - a 12foot inflatable boat, powered by a 40-foot engine. Hastings, as well as other crew members in attendance Saturday morning, would have manned the vessel 19 years ago.
The new vessel will support community partners, RCMP and the Canadian Coast Guard.
For more information, or to volunteer at the station, visit www. rcmsar.com.
