February 1st, 2011

Amphibious boat manufacturer Sealegs International will be showcasing the rescue craft used to assist with Queensland’s recent devastating floods at the Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Festival (MIBLF) taking place at the Docklands February 4 – 6.

The company recently sent two 6.1 metre RIB rescue crafts and crew to Brisbane where the unique vessel succeeded in rescuing 40 people at Logan in conjunction with the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES).

Now visitors to the MIBLF will be able to witness firsthand exactly how an amphibious rescue  is possible, with the Docklands providing the perfect backdrop to showcase its capabilities.

“Sealegs is a big attraction at the Festival , and the outdoor venue allows us to show how the vessel operates on land,” said Peter Sargeant who is the southern states agent and national service technician for the brand.

“Throughout each day of the show, we conduct demonstrations of the vessel moving on land with it’s wheels down and performing both standard and unusual maneuvers.”

“The ability of the craft to float and drive without stopping enables easy delivery of emergency supplies to properties that may be otherwise inaccessible by water. The crew simply drives up and collects stranded individuals who are able to board immediately.”

To put it in simple terms, the Sealegs craft is a rigid inflatable boat with plenty of power plus the added benefit of wheels, offering all the comfort and safety necessary for a sea going vessel.

“The vessel is being used around Australia both privately and commercially,” Mr Sargeant explained.

“The Goolwa Sea Rescue in South Australia  took ownership of their Sealegs Rescue Vessel in December 2009 and saved two local fishermens’ lives in the first 12 Months apart from the regular call outs. Several farmers also own Sealegs which are perfect for their remote locations and unusual waterfront access.”

“Other uses include private owners of water front properties such as those off Sydney Harbour, or someone who has good access to the water but no ramp facility, as well as commercial operators.”

“Sealegs are also popular in coastal areas in the North of Australia that have large tidal changes and crocs.”

There are currently about 90 Sealegs vessels Australia wide, mainly privately owned. The New Zealand factory has produced over 500 vessels to date.

After the Festival, Peter and his family will be embarking upon a 10 week East Coast Sealegs tour, beginning in Tasmania and travelling through to Cooktown where he will deliver a new vessel to Horn Island.

In addition to servicing Sealegs customers on location, Peter will be conducting demos and providing free time in their craft. Anyone interested in following his progress can do so on Facebook (“Sealegs Sarge”).

To see him in action, purchase tickets for the MIBL Festival online at www.biavic.com.au/miblf/tickets or from the ticket box located at the marina entry at NewQuay.

Additional attractions at the MIBLF include Marine Safety Victoria, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter as well as “Come & Try” sessions on the water. In addition to boat dealer exhibitors and related marine and lifestyle products, the Festival features a wide array of family friendly activities including the Bream Fishing Classic-a catch and release and weigh in competition, a new stage dedicated to all things fishing, the Yamaha Supertank, delectable food and wine and regular entertainment on the main stage.

Many show activities are free to the public whilst access to the boats on the marina is ticketed.