CFAV Black Duck YAG 661 and CFAV Albatross YAG 660 are 53 foot crash boats, operated and maintained by the 19 Wing Marine Unit at HMCS Quadra.
In the early 1950’s the Marine Rescue Section at CFB Comox was established to support 409 Fighter Squadron, with three steel hulled 40′ crash boats manned by RCAF motorboat crewmen. The section was on the water for all over water flying exercises, airborne emergencies, bomb range patrol and target towing. The sec tion was also on standby for any marine emergency involving non military aircraft and ships.
In the mid 1970’s the Marine Section was taken over by naval personnel posted to CFBComox. In November 1985, Black Duck and Albatross were delivered to CFB Comox, replacing the old steel vessels. In the early 1990’s the Marine Section changed from operational to a training role.
- Builder: Canoe Cove Manufacturing Ltd.
- Material: Fibreglass
- Length Overall: 16.15 m
- Beam Moulded: 4.44 m
- Draft: 1.6 m
- Displacement: 26.4 long tons
- Gross Tonnage: 34 Tonnes
- Fuel Capacity : 3584 l
- Fresh Water Capacity: 226 l
- Trial Speed: 22 knots
- Cruising Speed: 18 knots
- Range: 400 Nautical Miles
- Engines: 2x Detroit Diesel Engines, rated at 560 BHP @ 2300 RPM
- Reduction Gears: Twin Disc MG514 with a ratio of 2:1
- Propellers: 2 x4 bladed stainless steel, Michigan Wheel, 32″ (812.8mm) dia., 30″ (762mm) pitch
- Auxiliary Machinery: 12kw Onan Diesel generating set