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Photo:  Wooli 30, the new fast response, offshore rescue vessel for Marine Rescue Wooli

The newest addition to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet, a $345,000 offshore rescue vessel, has been commissioned today (June 8) at Wooli on the NSW Northern Rivers.  

Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Heinz Mueller joined volunteers from Marine Recue Wooli in welcoming the new boat, Wooli 30, at the formal commissioning ceremony on the Wooli Wharf.  

The rapid-response 9.5m Naiad Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) was built locally by Yamba Welding & Engineering.  

Deputy Commissioner Mueller said Wooli 30 had already demonstrated that it had vastly improved Marine Rescue capability in the area, recently rescuing three people from 15 nautical miles offshore.  

“Wooli 30 is a valuable investment in the safety of the boating community in this region,” he said.  

“Its increased size, compared with the unit’s previous hard-working vessel, gives more space for crew. It has a well-equipped steering position and dedicated work stations for navigation and radio officers, with more room for casualties or occupants of vessels needing to be towed in.”  

Marine Rescue Wooli Unit Commander Richard Taffs said the increased range of Wooli 30 gave the unit the capability for search and rescue up to 30 nautical miles offshore, as well as handling inshore coastal incidents, especially in the remote area between the Sandon River and Brooms Head.  

“Our response time to a call for help is greatly improved, not only by the speed of the new vessel, but also the fact that it is ready to go at short notice from its new air berth on the water,” he said.  

“We can also double the previous number of days that we were previously able to get over the bar to outside waters and we have a vessel that gives our crew members a work platform that increases our endurance in any lengthy search.”  

Wooli 30 will also be known as J.J. Ensbey II in recognition of Joe and Jean Ensbey, foundation members of the original Wooli volunteer rescue organisation that is now Marine Rescue Wooli.  

Deputy Commissioner Mueller said the vessel was another demonstration of the value of the additional funding provided to MRNSW by the State Government and the boating community through Roads and Maritime Services. “This essential financial support has given us a sound base of about 50 per cent of our total $14 million budget and enabled us to embark on an ambitious program to modernise our rescue fleet,” he said.  

“Thirteen new and refurbished rescue vessels are either on the water already or under construction this financial year.   

“Saving lives on the water is our highest priority and this funding is allowing us to upgrade our fleet to provide our members all along the coast with modern, safe and reliable equipment.”