Dear Editor:
In your June 10 editorial, Dead in the Water, you wrote: "The North Shore's (Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue) spokesmen are understandably reluctant to criticize the decision to close the Kitsilano base." I was very disappointed, as it made it sound like the volunteer organization was supporting the coast guard crews and the mariners in wanting to keep the base open. Nothing could be further from the truth. The auxiliary's lack of vocal protest is deafening. It is enabling this closure to take place.
This is not the time to be reticent. This is the time to tell Ottawa that you stand by the SAR crews of the coast guard and will not be used to replace them. This "reluctance" to join with every other member of the marine community in condemning this closure that will result in loss of human lives is deplorable.
This is the time to champion the SAR crews' cause, to show you truly are their partners in making the water ways safer for all.
Dave G. Howell 37 years in Coast Guard SAR (retired), Saltspring Island
