Dongara Marine/Southerly Designs selected for new WA rescue vessels

Dongara Marine has been selected by Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to be on a panel of contractors for the supply of new “fit for purpose” rescue vessels and vessel refit services.

The first confirmed order is for a new 8.3-metre rescue craft for Marine Rescue Shark Bay, which is based in Denham, Western Australia.

Designed by the naval architects at its long-standing partner Southerly Designs, the aluminium hulled rigid inflatable boat (RIB) will have foam filled collars. It features an enclosed cabin with seating for three crew. The cabin is open at the rear, enabling direct access to the work deck, which is sheltered by a fixed canopy.

Propulsion will be courtesy of twin 200hp Yamaha outboards, and the comprehensive suite of navigation and communications electronics will include radar, chart plotter, sounder, a forward looking infra-red (FLIR) thermal camera, and underwater cameras.