When boarding the Overzetboot along the Visseskaai to cross toward Oosteroever, most people don’t really look at the boats and vessels around them. I see them concentrating on their smartphones for whatever interests them, but I always find myself wondering about the function of these boats and vessels stationed at the edge of the port.

Through some research, I’ve found that numerous activities require the presence of these boats and vessels for the well being of everyone at sea… Police, customs, and, of course, rescue services.

Just imagine being at sea on your pleasure boat, close to the coast if all goes well, but way too far if something goes wrong. You may find yourself in the water without any help, and your chances of survival could be drastically reduced.

That’s where rescue teams become crucial, for both pleasure boats and commercial or industrial vessels. The R6 Orca may be supported by a helicopter for certain missions, teamwork for everyone’s safety.

The R6 Orca caught my eye first because of its orange colour, of course, but even more so for its sporty aesthetic and it all makes sense. It’s a tool built to act fast in open water, in any kind of weather.

I’m definitely going to try to meet and speak with the rescue team. I’d like to find out whether they sometimes run prevention operations that I could join, so I could put together a short report on their daily activities including video and field recording.

To follow…

https://youtu.be/61FgzH94l9o?si=qzROpQ7jwFk-hN_U

The R6 – Orka is operated by the Kustwacht (Belgian Coast Guard) and stationed in Ostend.

Key SpecificationsLength: 19.60 meters

Width: 6.14 meters

Draught: 0.95 meters

Built: 2014 by Chantiers Navals Bernard SA (France)

Speed: 25 knots

Capacity: Space for up to 27 people in distress

Operations and EquipmentPropulsion: Powered by jet propulsion with 360° turning nozzles for high maneuverability in shallow waters and safety near people in the water.

Design: Features a low-freeboard aft deck for safe, fast recovery of survivors and a self-righting hull for heavy weather.

Crew: Typically manned by a captain, a sailor/lifeguard, and a rescue diver.

Dimitri Pike / Wildtek (http://wildtek.net / wildtek.concept@gmail.com)

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