Basra.org
Title
BASRA: Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association
Description
The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association is a dedicated non-profit voluntary organization committed to saving the lives of distressed seamen or airmen in the Bahamas. BASRA has one full time administrator Monday thru Fridays 0900 to 1700 who, in addition to administrative duties monitors the radios, and a Controller who monitors the radios at headquarters on weekends. Volunteer Control Teams continue coverage through the Police Control room in the evenings with volunteer Captains and Crews on duty at all times. Control Officer courses are generally held every two years and the Fleet Captain ensures that vessels are maintained and the Captains are trained.
Before BASRA came into effect, there was no formal rescue organization in the Bahamas. In 1958 Bobby Symonette, Speaker of the House of Assembly, had Parliament create the Air Sea Rescue Board in the Ministry of Transport. Sir Durward Knowles, a Harbour Pilot, was appointed to run the Board. In the early 60's distress cases escalated particularly among visiting yachtsmen. There were times when neither Pilot Knowles nor the Yacht Haven Charter fishing fleet (which handled the bulk of the rescues) were available.
In May 1963 , Outboard Marine International, as part of its public relations programme gave a safe boating course. The course instructor was Ben Astarita. After the course the instructor helped Durward Knowles form a volunteer group of boats and planes and establish a radio base. 100 volunteers were recruited from 200 attendees at the Boating Course. Durward Knowles was made Director and Ben Astarita became an executive and Control Officer. A radio was put in Ben's apartment where it was operated many times by Ben's wife Helen. This outfit was called Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Auxiliary. At that time, Government paid the auxiliary's boat and plane expenses which ranged from $15,000 to $20,000 per annum.
Contact
- BASRA
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- Nassau NP
- Bahamas SS-6247
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- +1.2423258864
