Marine Rescue NSW has commissioned a new $428,514 rescue vessel for Marine Rescue Nambucca, strengthening the unit’s ability to protect boaters and swimmers across the Nambucca River and surrounding coastal waters.
Nambucca 20 was officially welcomed to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet by Commissioner Todd Andrews during a ceremony on the banks of the Nambucca River at Macksville this morning.
The purpose-built vessel has proven its value since going into service earlier this year, assisting numerous boaters and swimmers requiring help in and around Nambucca Heads.
The new vessel also carries a significant connection to the region’s maritime history, having been named in honour of William Whaites, a pioneering river pilot whose courage and dedication helped shape the Nambucca community in the 19th century.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the vessel would provide volunteers with an important operational asset as they prepared for the busy summer boating season.
“This new purpose-built vessel ensures our volunteers can respond safely, swiftly and effectively in all conditions,” Commissioner Andrews said.
“Naming the vessel in honour of William Whaites recognises a remarkable figure in Nambucca’s maritime history whose courage, dedication and service to his community reflect the values of Marine Rescue NSW today.
“Captain Whaites helped protect lives on these waters more than 150 years ago, and it is fitting that his name will continue to be associated with the safety of boaters and swimmers in the region.
“Marine Rescue Nambucca plays a vital role in boating and water safety, and we are grateful for the continued dedication of its volunteers who respond to people in need at any time of day or night.
“Communities like Nambucca and the surrounding areas flourish because of their spirit, and it is the spirit of the skilled and dedicated volunteers who support the region that makes these areas amazing places to live and visit.
“We also acknowledge the ongoing support of the NSW Government in ensuring our 3,400 volunteers across the state are rescue ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the NSW Government was proud to support Marine Rescue NSW and the volunteers who provided an essential service to the region.
“The volunteers at Marine Rescue Nambucca do incredible work assisting boaters and people enjoying our waterways, and the NSW Government is proud to have played a role in contributing towards this vitally important rescue vessel,” he said.
“I thank every Marine Rescue volunteer at Nambucca for their ongoing commitment to protecting lives on the water and serving their community.”
Minister Dib also urged boaters to prepare carefully before heading out on the water this summer.
“I encourage all boaters to always Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW, either through the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF channel 16, carry the correct safety equipment, ensure their vessel is in good working order, check the weather and always wear a lifejacket,” he said.
The vessel’s namesake, William Whaites, was born in England in 1844 into a seafaring family and was appointed Pilot of the Nambucca in 1874, just four years after the village of Nambucca Heads was declared.
One of the first purchasers of land in the developing settlement, Captain Whaites played an important role in the region’s maritime activities, guiding ships across the notorious Nambucca Heads bar and helping vessels navigate the challenging waters.
His duties extended well beyond piloting ships. He carried out courageous rescues following shipwrecks and tended to the sick and injured, while also becoming a valued contributor to the town’s development.
His bravery was formally recognised by the Royal Humane Society following the rescue of crew members from a vessel that ran aground on the bar. Tragically, the vessel’s captain and two other crew members died in the incident.
Marine Rescue Nambucca Unit Commander Col Cracknell said the decision to honour Captain Whaites reflected the enduring connection between the region’s maritime history and the work of today’s rescue volunteers.
“We chose William Whaites because his duty on the river aligned perfectly with our mission of saving lives on the water and supporting boaters,” Unit Commander Cracknell said.
“If Marine Rescue Nambucca had existed when William was operating on the river, I reckon he would have been a strong chance of donning the blue uniform. He had a strong community spirit,” he said.
Captain Whaites great granddaughter Cheryl Dal Pozzo said the family is honoured that the vessel has been named in his honour.
“It is very humbling for Marine Rescue Nambucca to name the vessel after him, William is very deserving of the honour.
“This honour brings his work that he did when he was a pilot back into today. He wouldn’t be able to do the things that he did back then, and now he’d be able to do it with a big motor on the boat and a lot more safety.”
Built by Gray’s Marine in Yamba, Nambucca 20 is a 6.8-metre CNC-plated rescue vessel designed to operate across the varied conditions of the Nambucca River, its bar and surrounding coastal waters.
Powered by twin 150hp Suzuki outboard engines, the vessel can reach speeds of up to 38 knots. Its advanced onboard technology includes a Raymarine electronics suite, side-scan sonar and a handheld forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera, supporting search and rescue operations during both day and night conditions.
The vessel’s cuddy cabin provides protection for crew members from the elements, while its open rear deck is designed to maximise the area available for casualty care, including the management of serious medical incidents.
Its shallow-draft hull and engine-jacking plate system, which allows the engines to be raised vertically, enable Nambucca 20 to operate in water as shallow as 30 centimetres. This gives crews access to more areas of the river as water levels change with the tides, including locations further upstream past Macksville.
The hull is also designed to cut through rough and choppy conditions, while providing the agility and power needed to navigate the bar and strong tidal currents. A Seakeeper Ride system provides additional stability, particularly when operating offshore.
Unit Commander Cracknell said the new vessel represented a significant improvement on the unit’s previous rescue boat.
“This boat can do it all in a variety of conditions. It’s extremely manoeuvrable, which is vital when we’re operating in strong tidal movements,” he said.
“It also has an excellent range on enclosed waters, with our crews able to respond to incidents upstream past the Macksville Showground.”
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