The Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM) De Cocksdorp lifeboat station, Netherlands, celebrated the christening of its new Van Wijk-class Search and Rescue Boat, Alies en Evert Floor, on Saturday 3 May. The ceremony took place at the station’s boathouse on the Volharding near De Cocksdorp, marking the vessel’s official entry into service. The Alies en Evert Floor is the fourth vessel in the Van Wijk class built by Habbeké Shipyard, designed for high-performance rescue operations in challenging coastal conditions.
The lifeboat was fully funded by the estate of the late Mrs. Alies Floor-Wieringa, honouring her and her husband Evert. The boat was christened by Ria Beerens. She is the partner of Helmer Wieringa, a cousin of Alies.
The new Search and Rescue Boat was built by the North Holland shipyard Habbeke Shipyard and the Van Wijk class is a further development of the Valentijn 2000. The new lifeboat was technically designed by Gaastmeer Design. Just like with the transition from the original Valentijn to the 2000, the Van Wijk has been extended to the rear. This time by 50 centimetres to create more space above deck. The hull shape has remained largely the same, but the technology in the lifeboat has been completely renewed. In addition, a new drowning valve has been installed and the new advanced engines have been moved further forward for better balance.
The Search and Rescue Boat weighs 9.5 tons, is 11.40 meters long and 4.10 meters wide, has a crew of four people and a rescue capacity of 50 people. The propulsion consists of two VOLVO PENTA D6-440 hp engines. Each coupled to a Hamilton waterjet, with which a maximum speed of 32 knots can be reached. The Van Wijk class lifeboat can be deployed in all weather conditions on the IJsselmeer, the Wadden Sea and can also be launched from the beach on the North Sea. The engines of the new lifeboat for Texel De Cocksdorp are suitable for sailing on HVO100 fuel. This results in a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions. An important advantage in the objectives for more sustainability within the KNRM.
The new Search and Rescue Boat replaces lifeboat Beursplein 5, which was christened on 24 April 1992 by Mrs KRW Baroness van Ittersum-Van de Ven at a very special location; the Beursplein in Amsterdam, in front of the entrance to the Stock Exchange. The Search and Rescue Boat was a gift from the Amsterdam Stock Exchange Association, which requested every company listed on the stock exchange to make a contribution to the KNRM for the benefit of a new lifeboat.
With 33 years of service, 614 rescue operations, 1,283 rescued people and 16 rescued animals, the Beursplein 5 will soon be able to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
