Portland Coast Guard flotilla commander Michael Krause said the long search for Mr Rodgers pushed to the limit the equipment on its rescue vessel and an engine alternator failed, forcing the vessel to use back-up systems.

The problem prompted the Lions club to step in and donate equipment that provides onboard recharging of equipment on the rescue vessel, giving it better capacity to run searches for a long duration.

Mr Krause said the new equipment would provide reliable constant power to the search and rescue equipment on its vessel such as its night/thermal imaging camera, radar and search lights.

Mr Krause said the Coast Guard was not government funded and the generous support of the club was much appreciated.