THE maiden voyage of traditional surf lifesaving boat Stephen Slattery on Sunday was a bittersweet occasion for Floreat resident Colin Slattery who donated the boat to the City of Perth Surf Lifesaving Club in memory of his brother’s heroism.
Petty Officer Stephen Slattery was one of nine killed on April 2, 2005 when a Royal Australian Navy Sea King helicopter crashed while providing humanitarian aid to survivors of the Nias earthquake in Indonesia.
There were only two survivors.
Reflecting on that day, Colin said it was a terrible time in his family’s lives.
“He was a navy man and on board the helicopter when it went down,” Colin said.
“This boat will symbolise his heroism in a physical way, for everyone to see.
“Delivering the eulogy at his funeral was horrible but this will be good closure.”
Colin said the vessel included an inscription on the inside saying who Stephen was and that he died providing humanitarian aid.
“It’s red too, so it will be the fastest on the coast,” he said.
The boat will be used in state and national surf lifesaving competitions.
Colin, his wife Alison, son Brendan and daughters Meaghan and Emily are all life-long members of the City of Perth Surf Lifesaving Club. Hundreds attended the service on Sunday morning, paying tribute to the bravery of Stephen Slattery.