Birthday boat a boon to Langebaan rangers

19 November 2015 - 02:16 By Shanaaz Eggington

The third most visited national park in South Africa - West Coast National Park in Langebaan - turned 30 yesterday. The celebration was marked by the handing over of an important law enforcement tool to rangers patrolling the marine sanctuary at the bottom of Langebaan lagoon.Marine section ranger William Brink said the pencil rubber duck boat donated by Nautic South Africa was desperately needed."We have a big problem with poaching in the lagoon, especially at night. This boat is designed for shallow water and is perfect for night patrols," he said."It is light, so it can be launched by only two men, and can be beached if necessary because of its short shaft."Kevin Govender, CEO of vessel manufacturer Nautic South Africa, said the R100,000 boat was of the same design used in racing.Money for the engine was collected by the honorary park rangers.West Coast National Park manager Patricia Bopape also announced that the entrance to the park on the R27 would be upgraded to three entry gantries."We currently have only one road into the park. This means we can't cope with the influx of visitors over the December holidays," she said...

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