The new Marine Rescue Trial Bay replacement vessel arrived at South West Rocks early this afternoon and will go into service over the coming days after volunteers underwent training and induction on the boat at Yamba yesterday.
The 10 metre Naiad was constructed by Yamba Welding and Engineering with senior crew being introduced to the new vessel under the guidance of Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin.
“The new Trial Bay 30 aced its sea trial last month and departed Yamba this morning.
“This vessel will enhance search and rescue capability in the region with its state-of-the-art navigation and communications technology including a full Raymarine suite.
“It is powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower engines and capable of reaching a top speed of 42 knots,” Parkin said.
Marine Rescue Trial Bay Unit Commander Ian Turner said the new replacement vessel handles extremely well on the water, which is crucial during rescue missions.
“With the new design of the hull, the turning capabilities and the softness that we are experiencing when we are crossing a bar over the swells is a vast improvement on our original (former) vessel,” he said.
Unit Commander Turner said there are a number of operational enhancements on the new boat.
“The first thing that comes to mind is the spaciousness of this vessel, which is just a little bit wider than our original vessel, the ergonomic seats are very comfortable and particularly the new suite of electronics which brings this vessel up to the new fleet standard.
“This new vessel has access cut-outs on both the port and starboard side so you don’t step over the gunnel you step through it, which is a major safety point, it also has a davit for lifting people into our vessel during a man overboard response,” Unit Commander Turner said.
Marine Rescue Trial Bay Coxswain Geoff Greenwood was part of the delivery crew and said the journey south from Yamba was extremely comfortable on the new vessel.
“Very pleased, the boat went well, we were able to sit around 25 knots somewhere there and rode very well, very impressed,” he said.
Mr Greenwood said the Marine Rescue Trial Bay crew had company on the journey with the whale migration in full swing.
“There were a ton of whales, we had to give them a wide berth from time to time but they all look fairly healthy,” he said.
Boaters are reminded to follow the marine mammal watching rules and to always Log On and Log Off with their local Marine Rescue NSW base either via the free Marine Rescue app or over VHF channel 16.
The NSW Government has contributed to the cost of the Trial Bay 30 replacement vessel to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Five Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have been named finalists across two categories for the 2024 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA).
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue Port Jackson Training Systems Officer Kelli Jovanovski, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Marine Rescue Port Jackson Training Officer Sophie Baker at the RESCA finalists announcement
Marine Rescue Merimbula Deputy Unit Commander Sonia Teston, Eden’s Nancy Weatherman, Port Jackson Training Systems Officer Kelli Jovanovski and long-serving Port Macquarie volunteer David Bigeni are finalists for the Marine Rescue NSW agency award while Port Jackson Training Officer Sophie Baker is in the running for the Dot Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship.
The Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have been recognised for their service and commitment to saving lives on the water and boating safety in NSW.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said he is extremely proud of the agency’s finalists.
“Marine Rescue NSW is fortunate to have more than 3,400 dedicated volunteers and this group typifies what our volunteers are about and their selfless mission of saving lives on the water.
“Boaters should feel reassured that our volunteers have got their back and it is wonderful to see this group recognised as RESCA finalists.
“Their skill and dedication to the boaters of NSW and their local communities is greatly appreciated and I congratulate them all on being recognised as finalists,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The winner of the Marine Rescue NSW agency award and the Dot Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship will be announced at the RESCA ceremony at Bankstown Sports Club on August 10.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Sonia Teston – Marine Rescue Merimbula
Sonia Teston is the Deputy Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Merimbula where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication during her nine years of service. Her outstanding contributions have significantly influenced the unit’s growth and operational effectiveness.
Since joining Marine Rescue Merimbula in 2015, Sonia has quickly risen through the ranks, holding various positions such as Unit Commander, Roster Officer, Admin Officer, and Membership Officer. She is also a qualified Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain and Radio Operator with her skills and professionalism coming to the fore during numerous rescue missions.
Sonia’s leadership has been instrumental in doubling the unit’s membership to 82 members, with a notable increase in female membership to 36%. As the first female Unit Commander and Deputy Unit Commander at Merimbula, she serves as a role model and mentor for aspiring female members.
Beyond her primary role, Sonia has assisted in emergency operations during the 2019-2020 bushfires and the 2020 and 2022 floods. Her efforts were recognised with a Premier’s Bushfire Citation and National Emergency Medal.
Nancy Weatherman – Marine Rescue Eden
Nancy Weatherman has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership during her 10 years with Marine Rescue Eden where she currently holds the position of Deputy Unit Commander. As a qualified Radio Operator, Nancy has provided vital communications support to the boating community and rescue agencies in the strategically important region of Twofold Bay and beyond.
Throughout her service, Nancy has previously held the role of Unit Commander and is instrumental in fundraising, community engagement, and member recruitment. Her efforts were particularly crucial during the transition of the Eden unit from a Radio Base to managing its first rescue vessel in 2022.
Nancy has been actively involved in Marine Rescue Eden’s Building & Facilities upgrade subcommittee and consistently participates in local community events and initiatives. Her leadership and mentorship have been invaluable, particularly in supporting and encouraging the development of female members within Marine Rescue NSW.
Kelli Jovanovski – Marine Rescue Port Jackson
Kelli Jovanovski is the Training Systems Officer at Marine Rescue Port Jackson where she demonstrates exceptional dedication and service above self. Balancing her demanding profession in a full-time senior government position, and a household of young girls, Kelli consistently goes above and beyond for her community.
Kelli manages the training records and course bookings for over 120 members at the Port Jackson unit. She attends numerous meetings, travels extensively, and works tirelessly to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the unit’s training documentation.
Sophie Baker – Marine Rescue Port Jackson
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue Port Jackson’s Kelli Jovanovski and Sophie Baker
Sophie Baker is an enthusiastic and warm young woman with an incredible drive to help.
Sophie was just 18 when she joined Marine Rescue Port Jackson in January 2020. She quickly earned her crew rating and was part of the unit’s first ever all-female crew which began regular rostered shifts early last year.
In 2022, Sophie became the youngest ever unit Training Officer in the Central Zone.
David Bigeni – Marine Rescue Port Macquarie
David Bigeni, a dedicated volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW since 2012, currently serves as a Skipper, Trainer, and Maintenance Manager at the Port Macquarie unit. His exceptional contributions ensure the unit’s operational readiness and safety.
With extensive experience, David maintains and operates four vessels, a vehicle, and all equipment. He trains future skippers on bar crossings, towing, emergency drills, and first aid. In 2021, he deployed to assist with flood rescues for 15 days and later helped rebuild homes. David has completed hundreds of rescues and saved countless lives during his service with Marine Rescue Port Macquarie.
Passionate about giving back, David assists organisations like the Lions Club and supports community events such as the Ironman and the Port Macquarie Rowing Club’s 3 River Run. Known for his dedication, he often spends seven days a week at the unit to ensure the best outcomes.
More than 3,400 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to respond to boaters needing assistance across the state this King’s Birthday long weekend.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said if conditions allow he expects large numbers of boaters to hit the water over the long weekend.
“We are urging all boaters to plan and prepare before heading out on the state’s waterways this June long weekend.
“Check the weather forecast before departure and continue monitoring because if conditions change rapidly you could end up in a life-threatening situation.
“If you haven’t taken your vessel out recently, check the engine and battery, make sure you have fresh fuel and plenty in reserve along with the correct safety equipment.
“We ask all boaters to be safe, vigilant and respectful on the water, enjoy the voyage and most importantly return home safe,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completed 90 search and rescue missions during last year’s King’s Birthday long weekend, safely returning 205 people to shore.
“The pleasing thing about boating behaviour during last year’s long weekend was that more than 2,100 vessels Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW ensuring our dedicated volunteers kept watch for their safe return,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“We are encouraging all boaters to make Logging On part of their pre-launch behaviour either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16, it only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW recently received confirmation from Buckingham Palace that His Majesty King Charles III graciously retained the Patronage of Marine Rescue NSW.
“His Majesty’s commitment maintains the link between Marine Rescue NSW and the Royal Family,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“His Majesty’s Patronage dates back to the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, whose members became an integral part of Marine Rescue NSW,” he said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla is illuminating its boating safety reminders following the installation of a new electronic sign in front of the unit’s vessel base on Foreshore Road.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley said the $22,000 sign was funded through the NSW Ports 2023 Community Grants Program.
“We owe a lot to NSW Ports for making these grants available for volunteer associations and not-for-profit organisations to give benefit to local communities and for us, the boating community,” he said.
Unit Commander Bradley said the sign has an important role to play in reinforcing Marine Rescue NSW’s boating safety messages to boaters preparing to depart from the Port Kembla Outer Harbour boat ramp.
“The purpose of the sign is to portray and deliver safety messages to the general boating public for Logging On and Logging Off with Marine Rescue NSW, providing weather reports, lifejacket reminders and making sure that people are aware of the circumstances they are dealing with,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said the Port Kembla unit has kept watch for the safe return of thousands of boaters already this year.
“Since January first, volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Kembla have kept watch over more than 2,000 vessels whose skippers Logged On with the service either via the free Marine Rescue app or by marine radio on VHF Channel 16.
“Logging On provides us with key details about your trip, including where you are heading and when you’re due back, saving precious time in an emergency.
“If a boater doesn’t return from their voyage as planned we will initiate a search,” Inspector Massey said.
Unit Commander Bradley said hundreds of local boaters have made Logging On part of their routine before heading out on the water but more can make it habit along with visitors to the area.
“During the peak boating season and on weekends when we have a lot of people from inland locations that are not necessarily familiar with the process of Logging On and Logging Off or making people aware of where they are going, hopefully this sign will aid to get that message through,” he said.
Inspector Massey said the NSW Ports funded sign is in the ideal location to get the attention of boaters before they put their vessel in the water.
“The sign is easy to see on the entry to the boat ramp parking area and we hope it encourages all boaters to log on with Marine Rescue NSW.
“It only takes a minute to log on and protect a lifetime,” he said.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Kioloa has safely returned two fishermen to shore after their runabout suffered battery failure off Pebbly Beach on the South Coast late this afternoon (Tuesday 28 May).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Marine Rescue Kioloa received a call for assistance just after 4pm.
“A volunteer crew was immediately assembled and rescue vessel Kioloa 20 was deployed.
“KL 20 reached the disabled vessel and its crew around 4:45pm and secured the boat under tow for the 4.5 nautical mile (8km) trip back to Kioloa.
“The two anglers and their vessel were safely returned to the boat ramp at Kioloa Beach at 6pm,” he said.
Inspector Massey said whilst the rescue was a standard mission for the Service the response provided some challenges for the volunteer crew on board KL 20.
“The rescue was completed in the dark and with the large number of whales migrating there are hazards in the water that are incredibly hard to see.
“Marine Rescue NSW is reminding all boaters to be on the alert for whales when on the water during the day or night and maintain the proper distances from whales,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteer radio operators from Marine Rescue Ulladulla played a vital role in this evening’s mission by providing radio communications for the response.
10 Marine Rescue NSW vessels crewed by dozens of highly skilled and dedicated volunteers took part in a successful simulated multi-agency search and rescue exercise (SAREX) off Shellharbour today.
More than 40 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa units along with Water Police, PolAir, members from Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were tasked for a simulated on-water search under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command at the 2024 Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra SAREX at Shellharbour Marina.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said search and rescue exercises are a vital part of the training undertaken by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“The reason that we’re training constantly is to hone our skills in the event that somebody does need help out in the ocean, it’s important for our volunteers to be highly trained so they can do a professional job.
“These exercises are invaluable to our volunteers to create that muscle memory for major search and rescue exercises. They get the experience out there in a simulated and controlled environment and when the real thing happens, they are ready to go.
“We thank all our partner agencies for taking part in today’s exercise, we know the learnings will strengthen the operational response when we are tasked to an emergency,” he said.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Ryan Spong said today’s exercise involved a capsized yacht east of Shellharbour.
“The scenario was that a person on board the yacht made a Triple Zero call stating that the vessel had overturned in heavy seas with all four persons on board wearing lifejackets and clinging to the hull before the call cut out.
“Triangulation of the Triple Zero call showed that the vessel was approximately 10 nautical miles east of Shellharbour.
“The mission issued to participants today was to plan and execute an immediate search of the highest area of probability to locate and rescue survivors and recover all outstanding persons,” Sergeant Spong said.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Massey said crews from all agencies involved performed exceptionally on the water.
“The outcome today was tremendous. We recovered all of the targets as per the request that we gave to our volunteers. They executed the tasks very well today and everything was recovered. The crews did a wonderful job,” he said.
Sergeant Spong said the search area spanned from Port Kembla to Minnamurra Head.
“When we get one of these incidents we use a variety of drift calculations that are developed to a standard practice and we come up with a search area. In this instance, the search area was about 110 square nautical miles.
“These exercises are a really good chance for all the agencies to come together and practice these incidents without the real time consequences that may occur in a live search and rescue situation.
“We can iron out any deficiencies we may have, we can work on our communication with each other and it’s a really good chance to get together and develop close networks with our partner agencies,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW also held a desktop search and rescue training scenario to hone the skills of volunteer radio operators while the on-water exercise was taking place.
Inspector Massey highlighted the crucial role of Marine Rescue NSW’s radio operators in the success of search and rescue missions and said today’s desktop exercise provided an excellent opportunity for volunteers to practice their skills.
“Radio is where the ocean meets the land and it really does become vital for us to have good communications with our vessels and the general public on the water,” he said.
The NSW Government provided financial assistance for the Illawarra SAREX as part of its commitment to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
More than 60 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from all seven units across the Illawarra region will take part in a major search and rescue exercise (SAREX) hosted by Marine Rescue Shellharbour at Shellharbour Marina this weekend (May 25-26).
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue Ulladulla Crew member Mandy Newton, Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager Inspector Stuart Massey and Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Watch Officer and Senior Crew Stefania Nitto.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager, Inspector Stuart Massey said the exercise will be coordinated by NSW Police Marine Area Command and involve partner agencies including Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
“These exercises are held to put our training into practice alongside our partner agencies so when the call comes we can respond with an efficient coordinated response,” he said.
Inspector Massey said the Illawarra SAREX is a crucial training exercise to ensure Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are rescue ready.
“The on-water component will be held on Saturday morning with Marine Area Command to deliver a search and rescue scenario.
“Crews will be tasked to search for targets (mannequins) in the water along with other items associated with a distressed vessel.
“The exercise will be held off Shellharbour but there will be some inshore activity between Barrack Point and Bass Point with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers operating alongside Water Police and Surf Life Saving members to complete a specific search and rescue scenario.
“Saturday’s on-water exercise will involve Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels from the Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa units.
“All seven units will be contributing rescue vessels for the exercise while four Rescue Water Craft (jet skis) will be supplied by the Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet units.
“The vessels will depart Shellharbour Marina between 9am and 9:30am on Saturday morning providing an excellent opportunity for the community to see part of Marine Rescue NSW’s Illawarra fleet together with great viewing opportunities from the breakwall walkway,” Inspector Massey said.
“The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and a NSW Water Police vessel will also be involved with Marine Area Command coordinating the exercise.
Inspector Massey said a desktop search and rescue exercise involving more than 20 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will also be held on Saturday.
“It is a simulated desktop exercise involving all aspects of our radio operations and emergency management.
“It is important for our radio operators to practice in a controlled environment with simulated pressure so they can develop and execute communication and navigation plans effectively.
“Clear and concise communication is paramount during search and rescue missions,” he said.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay volunteer Stefania Nitto will be participating in her first desktop exercise and said it is a great opportunity to hone her skills as a Watch Officer.
“I’m looking forward to upskill our training in the radio room to be able to provide the best quality care and assistance to everybody out on the water,” she said.
Ms Nitto said Saturday’s exercise will be a wonderful opportunity to work with fellow volunteers from the region’s seven units.
“It will be interesting to see all of our training matching up and seeing how everything works cohesively as an Illawarra team zone.”
Inspector Massey said all seven Marine Rescue NSW units involved would maintain radio and on-water response in their local areas during the Shellharbour exercise.
“The community can be assured that in the event of a real emergency on our waterways from Port Kembla to Kioloa, our rescue craft and crews are ready to respond,” he said.
The NSW Government is providing financial assistance for the Illawarra SAREX to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Two new Marine Rescue NSW replacement vessels have undergone successful sea trials at Yamba ahead of going into service over the coming weeks.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said the new Brunswick 30and Trial Bay 30 rescue vessels were put through their paces off Yamba over the past two days.
“Their performance was excellent.
“They turned, handled and drove beautifully.
“Trial Bay 30 and Brunswick 30 are outstanding rescue vessels,” he said.
Parkin said the 10 metre Naiad rescue boats, built by Yamba Welding and Engineering are powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower engines, capable of reaching a top speed of 42 knots.
“These vessels will enhance search and rescue capability in their respective regions with both boats featuring state-of-the-art navigation and communications technology including a full Raymarine suite.
“The evolution in design has resulted in two outstanding Marine Rescue NSW vessels capable of heavy bar crossings and long distance offshore missions,” Parkin said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Brunswick attended the sea trial and were inducted on BR 30.
Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said the new replacement vessel has improved speed and performance compared to the unit’s previous rescue boat.
“This new boat will allow us to get through areas and respond across our region so much quicker, it’s also much more comfortable for our crew.
“The layout of the new vessel is amazing; it gives us straight access to everything we need.
“The navigation equipment is absolutely amazing, it’s straightforward to use and an advancement on what we had previously which is invaluable for our mission of saving lives on the water,” Unit Commander Wilcock said.
Brunswick 30 is heading to its new home at Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour this afternoon with volunteer crews to undergo training and induction on the new vessel before going into service while Trial Bay 30 is expected to be delivered to the unit next month.
The NSW Government has contributed to the cost of both replacement vessels to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
The busiest Marine Rescue NSW unit in the state, Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie, not only assists boaters in need on the water, but its team of highly skilled volunteers also assist people to get out on the water through its boat theory and personal watercraft (PWC) licence courses.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Unit Commander Jim Wright said courses are conducted monthly at the Swansea Heads Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.
“Autumn and winter is the perfect time for enthusiasts to complete the theory component of their boat licence or to go for their PWC licence so they are ready to hit the water, legally and with confidence in spring.
“We are often booked out during the warmer months but we do have openings available between now and spring.
“We have a large number of families doing the course. Parents have told us that they want their kids to do the course with them so they too have a better understanding of boating.
“Our courses cater for people 12 years and up,” he said.
Unit Commander Wright said the boat and PWC licence courses are part of the unit’s fundraising initiatives.
“The theory course costs $165 for an adult and $145 for under 16s.
“We use the revenue generated from conducting the courses to assist with our running costs.
“Volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie are on-water seven days a week assisting boaters and saving lives on the water.
“With two rescue vessels and two rescue watercraft (jet skis) the unit’s annual fuel bill is around $55,000, the licence courses help with those expenses,” he said.
Since January 2020, volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie have completed more than 2,500 search and rescue missions, safely returning 5,400 people to shore.
Whilst Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie is supported by NSW Government, community, and corporates to maintain its 24/7 volunteer search and rescue and radio operations, the unit recently gave back to the community in conjunction with NSW Police Marine Area Command through a youth boat licence pilot driven by Newcastle Water Police Sergeant Jon Clark.
Unit Commander Wright said the concept was Sergeant Clark’s idea.
“He drove it and when he approached me about six months ago, I jumped at the opportunity for the unit to enhance our partnership with Jon’s team at Newcastle Water Police.
“He and his team are brilliant; they’re also very appreciative of our work.
“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie have worked on missions with Jon for the past decade and this program was a great way to help educate budding young boaters,” he said.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie boat-licensing coordinator Zoe Wright said seven youngsters took part in the pilot aimed at assisting the youths obtain their boat licence, gain a sense of achievement and enjoy a positive interaction with Water Police.
“The course ran for three days and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie provided the theory component of the boat licence course and the exam.
“The group began with a swim in the lake wearing lifejackets before heading up to the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Search and Rescue Coordination Centre to begin the theory component.
“Their attitude was brilliant, they were engaged, attentive, and participated with enthusiasm,” she said.
Mrs Wright said the students spent the second day on the water with Water Police putting the boat licence theory into practice and importantly boating safety.
The youths also toured Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s radio operations and were educated about the importance of Logging On and Logging Off with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
“On the final day they sat the exam and they all passed,” Mrs Wright said.
Whilst Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s boat licence courses are a fundraising initiative for the unit, there was no cost incurred for the youths involved in the pilot program.
“It was a great opportunity to give back to the community that supports us,” Mrs Wright said.
Unit Commander Wright said Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was proud to have been part of the youths’ journey.
“We wish them well in the future and if Jon and his team ask us to do it again we would be happy to be involved; it’s a great initiative,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW’s 3,400 volunteers have completed their second busiest boating season on record with 3,242 search and rescue missions, including 921 emergency responses between October 1, 2023 and ANZAC Day this year.
This season’s figure was just shy of the record 3,251 missions completed during the 2022/23 boating season.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteer crews safely returned 7,535 boaters to shore during the 2023/24 boating season.
“It’s been another busy season for Marine Rescue NSW right across our 46 units.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen an overrepresentation in mechanical failures with more than 40% of our responses related to engine failure.
“From our perspective, these are avoidable and we’re again urging boaters to make sure before they head out on the water, they check their engine.
“It is important that you check your equipment because unfortunately, if things do go wrong, you could find yourself in a life threatening situation,” he said.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was the busiest unit in NSW with 441 search and rescue missions while three of Marine Rescue NSW’s six regions, Mid North Coast, Illawarra and Monaro had their busiest boating seasons on record.
Volunteers in the Monaro region’s eight units saw a 16% increase in search and rescue missions on the previous boating season, responses were up 11% on the Mid North Coast while Illawarra crews experienced a 7% increase in demand.
Log Ons remained steady with just over 45,000 boaters using the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16 to notify Marine Rescue NSW of their voyage.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency and ensures our volunteers keep watch for a vessel’s safe return.
“It a boater doesn’t return from their voyage as planned, a search will be initiated,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 144,806 radio calls over the season with a large portion answered by the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre at Belrose.
69 of those calls were MAYDAYs where lives were in imminent danger while 42 PAN PANs were received from boaters in an urgent but non-life threatening situation.
Commissioner Barrell praised the work of volunteers across the Service’s 46 units who played an important role of keeping boaters in NSW safe.
“I want to commend all Marine Rescue NSW volunteers for their thousands of hours of dedicated service to keeping our coastline and waterways as safe as possible.
“While the official boating season is over, we know it is a year-round activity and we are reminding boaters who plan on heading out of the water, particularly over these colder months that you’ve got the right safety equipment for your trip and that you’ve logged on with your local Marine Rescue NSW base.
“Importantly, an added safety message during the winter months is to make sure that you’ve got additional warm clothing when you go out boating,” he said.
Of all activities undertaken during the season’s 3,242 rescue missions, 44% involved boaters either cruising or fishing while Marine Rescue NSW crews responded to 125 capsized vessels.
“It is vitally important that everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket and if your boat overturns please stay with your vessel,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW 2023/24 boating season search & rescue missions by region:
Northern Rivers – 162 search and rescue missions including 92 emergency responses with 296 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 63, Ballina 38, Iluka Yamba 28
Mid North Coast – 255 search & rescue missions including 139 emergency responses with 596 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Forster Tuncurry 80, Port Macquarie 61, Coffs Harbour 39
Hunter/Central Coast – 993 search & rescue missions including 208 emergency responses with 2,109 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 441, Central Coast 201, Port Stephens 183
Greater Sydney – 1,267 search & rescue missions including 169 emergency responses with 3,226 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 366, Botany Port Hacking 297, Port Jackson 179
ILLAWARRA – 351 search & rescue missions including 179 emergency responses with 847 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 106, Jervis Bay 90, Shoalhaven 61
MONARO – 214 search & rescue missions including 134 emergency responses with 461 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay has pulled three children from the water off Barfleur Beach after they were blown offshore on their watercraft this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said radio operators at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay received a call for assistance just after 11am.
“Two boys on a kayak and another on a standup paddleboard were stranded around 900 metres from shore after they lost their paddles in strong winds.
“In consultation with NSW Police Marine Area Command a volunteer crew was immediately deployed on board rescue vessel Jervis Bay 20.
“A Navy chopper also provided aerial support.
“Jervis Bay 20 pulled the three boys out of the water and assessed them before returning them to family at Barfleur Beach.
“The area the boys were paddling in initially was well protected from the wind but unfortunately they ventured a little too far and got caught by the wind which carried them further away from shore.
“They were all uninjured and grateful for the assistance by the volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay,” Inspector Massey said.
The children aged between 10 and 13 were visiting the Shoalhaven with family from New Zealand.
“We got sucked out to sea and then lost our oars and we were stranded,” said 13-year-old Rocco.
Rocco said they waited for someone to come and stayed warm by cuddling together.
Mum Maraea was relieved when her sons were returned to shore safe and well by Jervis Bay 20.
“I’m just so grateful that they’re back on land and that they all stayed together.
“I’m really grateful for your crew as well for getting in there, rescuing them and bringing them back to us safely,” she said.
Inspector Massey said the boys did the right thing.
“They were all wearing lifejackets, they stayed with their craft and close together which is exactly what people should do if they find themselves needing assistance offshore,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens have safely returned two people to shore after their 9-10 metre sail catamaran lost engine power six nautical miles southeast of Seal Rocks early this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Port Stephens answered a call for assistance around 3:20am.
“The skipper of the distressed vessel advised Marine Rescue Port Stephens that they had lost engine power and couldn’t put up their sails because of rough conditions offshore.
“At the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command a volunteer crew was assembled with rescue vessel Port Stephens 31 deployed just after 5am.
“Conditions were extremely challenging throughout the entire mission with the PS 31 crew battling two to three metre swell and wind gusts in excess of 50km/h,” she said.
Port Stephens 31 reached the distressed vessel at 7:20am and secured a towline before making the slow trip back to Nelson Bay.
“The return trip was a delicate six hour operation because of the conditions and the weight of the sail cat.
“Port Stephens 31 safely guided the distressed vessel and its crew to shore at Nelson Bay.
“Both people on board the sail cat were ok while our crew of skipper Iain Blackadder, Laurie Nolan, Robert Johnson, Robert Stewart and Mark Page were fatigued after eight hours on water.
“Our radio operators at Marine Rescue Port Stephens also did an exceptional job managing communications for the rescue mission,” Inspector Greenslade said.
A strong marine wind warning is currently in place for the Hunter Coast and boaters should always check conditions before heading out on the water.
Almost 80 past and present volunteers have marked Marine Rescue Ulladulla’s 50th anniversary of saving lives on the water during a ceremony at the Ulladulla Civic Centre on Saturday 4 May 2024.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it was an important occasion to acknowledge the selfless efforts of all members who have volunteered at the unit since it began servicing the local boating community in 1974.
“It’s wonderful to be here to celebrate 50 years of Marine Rescue Ulladulla. This is an organisation run by dedicated volunteers. We are so fortunate to have these volunteers that give up their time every day of the week to serve the local community and more importantly, serve the boating community on the South Coast. We could not do what we do without these volunteers,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski said unit has a proud history.
“It started with humble beginnings by the local community, the vessel Kyli and radio operations from one of the member’s houses through to state-of-the-art equipment and vessels today,” he said.
Marine Rescue Ulladulla is now supported by 82 volunteers who cover over three-and-a-half thousand square kilometers of ocean as well as the local waterways with three dedicated search and rescue vessels and a specialised radio communications room.
Unit Commander Samulski acknowledged the dedication of members and supporters who helped the unit rise from the ashes following a major setback in 2013.
“Our headquarters building, burnt to the ground but through the endurance and hard work of our members, the local community and the state government, we were able to rebuild to a state-of-the-art facility which we enjoy today,” Unit Commander Samulski said.
Long-serving volunteer Raymond Dixon has dedicated almost 37-years to the unit after becoming a volunteer in 1987 and said his reason for joining was simple.
“For my own safety and anyone that was in the boat with me. I had to learn a radio licence and first aid for the safety of myself, and anyone in the boat and the people I knew that had boats,” he said.
Mr Dixon has been involved in numerous search and rescue missions during his time with the unit and said he will never forget the 1993 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
“We had to bring 12 yachts into the harbor and at that time, we had to put moorings down from the breakwall to the slipway so the boats could be tied up because there wasn’t sufficient places at the wharf for the boats to be tied up to.”
Mr Dixon (pictured above) said huge progress has been made in boating communications over the past four decades.
“The lack of correspondence from boats going out to sea was a major challenge in the early days.
“Our biggest trouble was not knowing where they (vessels) were when they were overdue and if ever they broke down, we always had trouble finding them,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said the strength of Marine Rescue NSW’s search and rescue capability would continue to advance over the next half-a-century.
“There is no doubt as an organisation and as a local unit we have come so far in 50 years, the next 50 years, we can continue to grow.
“We are so fortunate nowadays to have wonderful boats, wonderful radio equipment, fantastic facilities and we can continue to grow as an organisation to make sure that we enhance our capability so that we can continue to support the local boating community,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said boaters should take advantage of the service provided by Marine Rescue NSW and its skilled and dedicated volunteers.
“Log On with your local Marine Rescue NSW base. Download the free Marine Rescue app and make sure that before you head out on the water, you’ve checked the local conditions and you have the right safety equipment on board,” he said.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has officially opened the new Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base at The Spit in Mosman, one of the busiest boating areas in the state.
The new $3.8 million building, funded by the NSW Government, provides easy access to the unit’s two vessels to support the search and rescue missions of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
The pristine waters of Sydney and surrounds are enjoyed by Sydneysiders year-round, making Middle Harbour a fixture in the top 10 busiest Marine Rescue NSW bases in the state.
Situated next to the Spit Bridge in Mosman, the new base mirrors its surroundings with a design inspired by the contours of a ship and a colour scheme replicating the water, sky and nearby bushland.
The Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base was built by Sydney based Farindon Constructions and designed by Mona Vale’s Centric Architects, who envisioned the front of the building to represent the bow of a boat as it cuts through the water.
Spanning 350 square metres, the single-storey structure includes crew readiness facilities, radio, training and meeting rooms, offices and a kitchen/dining area.
Minister Dib said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are the unsung heroes of the state’s waterways.
“They play a vital role in keeping people who enjoy our waterways safe.
“Our beautiful waterways are busy year-round, so it is important Marine Rescue NSW has the facilities and equipment it needs to carry out its important role.
“This investment is recognition of the volunteers’ dedication and an assurance that they will have the resources and support needed to save lives,” Minister Dib said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell thanked the NSW Government for its support in realising the new base.
“This state-of-the-art building significantly enhances our rescue capability around Middle Harbour and Sydney Harbour, and ensures the 89 volunteers at the unit have facilities designed and equipped for modern emergency management.
“Middle Harbour and surrounding waterways are some of the busiest boating areas in NSW, and this new facility will help ensure our volunteers are rescue ready when emergencies arise.
“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour completed 193 search and rescue missions last year, safely returning 555 people to shore,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Unit Commander Peter Steigrad said the new base provides a major boost to Sydney’s boating community.
“This new facility has expanded our search and rescue capabilities and has already played a vital role in numerous emergency responses.
“It serves not only as a hub for emergency responses but also as a training base for volunteer crews to ensure they are rescue ready,” he said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla now has a fully accessible facility at its vessel base on Foreshore Road after receiving $70,784 in NSW Government funding. The new facility provides new opportunity for community members with mobility challenges to volunteer with the organisation.
The investment, made possible through Round Five of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund significantly improves accessibility within the unit allowing up to 30 additional volunteers to be trained as radio operators. The expansion supports the existing radio base at Hill 60 enhancing the unit’s capability to serve the Illawarra’s boating community.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Kembla provide a vital service to the region.
“In 2023, volunteers at the unit completed 169 search and rescue missions including 112 emergencies, safely returning 339 people to shore.
“The work these urgently needed volunteers do is incredibly important for the safety of our community and visitors 24/7.
“I’m really pleased these improvements extend the opportunity to everyone in the community to undertake this vital role,” Minister Park said.
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said the funding represents a significant step forward in addressing accessibility barriers within the unit.
“Until now, many potential volunteers who expressed an interest in being radio operators were not able to participate due to the lack of access to the radio room at Hill 60.
“As someone who has long advocated for improved access for people with mobility challenges, I am pleased that this funding is supporting such a vital community service as well as the volunteers at the heart of it,” he said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley said the new facility enables current or future volunteers with limited mobility or disabilities to participate in the Service’s lifesaving operations.
“The new all-accessible radio room at the Port Kembla vessel base provides the opportunity for members to volunteer in radio operations and support our mission of saving lives on the water.
“This new facility will allow us to recruit more volunteers to help us keep our waters safe 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
“The radio base at Hill 60 is a two-storey building with an internal spiral staircase which has made it challenging for many volunteers with limited mobility or a disability.
“In the event that the Hill 60 radio base goes offline, the new facility at the Port Kembla vessel base will also allow us to continue our vital radio operations in the region,” said Unit Commander Bradley.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said she was proud to support the selfless volunteers at the unit via the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
“The essential role Marine Rescue Port Kembla plays in providing monitoring, rescue and education services is crucial in ensuring the safety of local boaters and tourists.
“They keep our waterways safe and provide vital communications for boaters,” the Minister said.
The Port Kembla Community Investment Fund is a competitive, merit-based program that financially supports projects that revitalise Port Kembla and surrounding areas for the benefit of the community through new infrastructure, upgrading of existing assets and encouraging tourism.
A rapid response by Marine Rescue Brunswick volunteers has saved a man’s life after his 4.9 metre boat rolled on Brunswick Bar this morning.
Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said radio operators at Marine Rescue Cape Byron took a call from a member of the public at 7:30am (Wednesday 17 April) that a vessel had capsized on the bar with a person in the water.
“Volunteer operators were immediately deployed on board Marine Rescue Brunswick rescue watercraft (jet skis) Brunswick 11 and Brunswick 12.
“The Marine Rescue NSW operator on board Brunswick 12 retrieved the man from the water and took him to South Beach where he was assessed by the operator.
“The man was uninjured but shaken and incredibly grateful for our assistance,” Unit Commander Wilcock said.
Because the man’s capsized vessel was a navigational hazard on the bar, the Marine Rescue watercraft operators manoeuvred the overturned boat to the beach.
Unit Commander Wilcock said conditions at Brunswick Heads were not favourable for boating this morning.
“There was a strong swell on the bar.
“The waves were breaking around 100 metres off the bar on a run out tide making it quite dangerous.
“We ask all boaters to check the conditions before heading out and to not risk their life.
“There is absolutely no shame in getting to the boat ramp and deciding not to go out because of unfavourable conditions, it is not worth endangering your life or others for a day on the water,” he said.
A volunteer radio operator from Marine Rescue Trial Bay initiated a rapid response this morning after receiving a call from a member of the public at 9:35am that two people had been washed overboard from their five metre runabout on the Macleay River Bar.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said rescue vessel Trial Bay 30 and rescue watercrafts Trial Bay 11 and Trial Bay 12 were deployed to assist.
“Thankfully the two people were wearing lifejackets and a passing vessel pulled them out of the water with Marine Rescue NSW vessels Trial Bay 30, TB 11 and TB 12 arriving on scene not long after.
“It is vital all boaters wear lifejackets because if you don’t have one on it can’t save your life,” he said.
Marine Rescue Trial Bay Unit Commander Ian Turner was on board TB 30 and said the two anglers were shaken after the incident.
“They were returned to Matty’s Flat by the private vessel while Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Trial Bay 30 and the rescue watercrafts secured the stricken vessel.
“It was a navigational hazard at the mouth of the bar.
“Because of that, we pumped some water out of the disabled vessel before towing it back to Matty’s Flat,” he said.
Unit Commander Turner praised the member of the public who raised the alarm and the actions of the crew on board the passing private vessel.
“These things happen so quickly and this incident could have had a very different outcome if it wasn’t for those people reacting the way they did and the anglers wearing lifejackets,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW’s 3,400 volunteers across the state were in high demand last month, responding to the organisation’s busiest March on record.
With favourable boating weather last month, Marine Rescue NSW crews performed an incredible 515 search in rescue missions with 115 of those conducted between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said four of the Service’s six regions (Greater Sydney, Mid North Coast, Illawarra and Monaro) also experienced their busiest March ever.
“Across the state our volunteers safely returned almost 1,200 people to shore with our Sydney region being the busiest with 538 people returned to shore,” he said.
The Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner said 168 of last month’s record 515 search and rescue missions were emergency responses.
“Unfortunately we are still seeing too many boaters and their vessels succumb to mechanical, fuel and battery issues with 60% of responses last month for these three preventable issues,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said more than 8,500 boaters Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW in March while the service’s skilled radio operators managed almost 26,000 radio calls including six MAYDAYs and six PAN PANs.
“Logging On via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF marine channel 16 ensures that our dedicated volunteers keep watch for boaters and that we are monitoring their safe return.
“With a fortnight remaining in the official boating season, we are asking boaters to make sure they plan and prepare before hitting the water.
“Boaters need to ensure that their vessel is in good working order with the correct safety equipment on board and enough fuel with some in reserve before heading out,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW historical March search and rescue statewide data
March 2024 – (NEW MARCH RECORD) 515 search and rescue missions including 168 emergency responses with 1,157 people safely returned to shore.
March 2023 – 427 search and rescue missions including 128 emergency responses with 923 people safely returned to shore.
March 2022 – 269 search and rescue missions including 85 emergency responses with 515 people safely returned to shore.
March 2021 – 278 search and rescue missions including 66 emergency responses with 571 people safely returned to shore.
March 2020 – 214 search and rescue missions including 61 emergency responses with 448 people safely returned to shore.
Breakdown of March 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
Northern Rivers – 17 search and rescue missions including 8 emergency responses with 35 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 7, Ballina 4 Iluka Yamba 3
Mid North Coast – (MARCH RECORD) 52 search & rescue missions including 28 emergency responses with 73 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Forster Tuncurry 13, Port Macquarie 9, Crowdy Harrington 8, Trial Bay 8
Hunter/Central Coast – 138 search & rescue missions including 39 emergency responses with 300 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 55, Central Coast 37, Port Stephens 18
Greater Sydney – (MARCH RECORD) 210 search & rescue missions including 35 emergency responses with 538 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney – State Communications Centre 58, Botany Port Hacking 56, Port Jackson 28
ILLAWARRA – (MARCH RECORD) 58 search & rescue missions including 35 emergency responses with 127 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 18, Jervis Bay 16, Ulladulla 8
MONARO – (MARCH RECORD) 40 search & rescue missions including 23 emergency responses with 84 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Newcastle have assisted three people on board a 12 metre yacht after the skipper noticed the fuel tank was empty while heading up the Hunter Coast late yesterday (Sunday 7 April).
Marine Rescue Newcastle Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh said the vessel was 18 nautical miles (33kms) southeast of Newcastle when the skipper of the Logged On yacht radioed for assistance.
“The vessel was sailing to Port Stephens when they became aware their fuel tank was empty.
“Yachts require fuel for when they are heading in and out of harbour, for close quarters maneuvering around marinas and in the event the sails or mast have been damaged.
“While sails are a yachts primary source of propulsion it is important sailors carry sufficient fuel for their intended passage,” she said.
Unit Commander Van Homrigh said a volunteer crew was assembled with rescue vessel Newcastle 30 deployed just after 5:20pm to assist the yacht that continued sailing towards Newcastle Harbour until the Marine Rescue NSW vessel met them.
“Newcastle 30 reached the yacht swiftly with all three crew on board safe and well.
“NC 30 shadowed the vessel into Newcastle Harbour before our crew rafted the yacht and took it safely to the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club fuel wharf.
“Conditions were favorable allowing our crew to provide a safe and swift response,” she said.
“The three crew on board the yacht were grateful for our assistance and the fact the skipper was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW enabled a more efficient response,” Unit Commander Van Homrigh said.
“Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16 ensures our volunteers keep watch for the safe return of boaters and allows us to quickly locate vessels requiring assistance.
“The crew on board the yacht refueled, anchored safely in Newcastle Harbour overnight and are now continuing their journey north,” she said.
Marine Rescue Brunswick will bolster its rescue capability with a new state-of-the-art life-saving device after being awarded an Australian Government Stronger Communities Grant.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Zone Duty Operations Manager John Murray said the Federal Government grant has aided the unit to purchase the Marine Rescue Northern Rivers region’s first ever USafe, a motorised remote controlled lifebuoy for rescue missions on local waterways including the Brunswick River, Simpsons Creek, Marshalls Creek and offshore.
“The USafe is a versatile and reliable piece of equipment that will assist our volunteers greatly in their mission of saving lives on the water.
“It is also reassuring for boaters, paddlers and swimmers who use our local waterways that this valuable tool is at the ready should they require assistance,” he said.
The USafe cost $14,000 with the Stronger Communities Grant contributing $10,000 and community donations funding the remainder.
“The financial support provided by the Australian Government and the local community to allow the unit to add a USafe to its rescue capability is greatly appreciated,” Mr Murray said.
Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said the USafe is operated by remote control and is a valuable life-saving tool for the Brunswick unit’s 76 volunteer members.
“The USafe will assist rescue crews in locations where we may not be able to get a vessel, like close to rocks or in shallow waters.
“This incredible piece of equipment can assist with recovering people in the water or getting a tow line to a disabled vessel in a challenging location.
“The device is easily transferable between the Brunswick unit’s rescue vessels and will be deployed when required to assist with a tasked mission.
“The USafe has a 300 metre working range and can transport up to 160kgs of buoyancy.
“It also features a variable speed motor so our rescue crews can approach a person gently or steer around hazards in the water,” Mr Wilcock said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Brunswick are currently undergoing training and familiarisation with a Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters USafe device. Marine Rescue Brunswick is expected to take delivery of its own USafe in the coming weeks.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state responded to a record number of search and rescue missions over the 2024 Easter long weekend.
Volunteer crews completed 163 search and rescue missions including 54 emergency responses over the four days, safely returning 440 people to shore.
The previous busiest Easter for Marine Rescue NSW was in 2022 when volunteers completed 154 missions.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said favorable weather over the Easter break led to high numbers of boaters hitting the state’s waterways.
“The state experienced great weather over the weekend, it was perfect for boating and many people took the opportunity to get out on their boat.
“Our volunteers were extremely busy across Greater Sydney, the Hunter Central Coast and Illawarra regions while in other areas of the state there were fewer incidents with boaters following our safety advice and having an enjoyable day on the water,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Schott said almost a third of responses across NSW over the Easter long weekend were for fuel related issues.
“Running out of fuel can lead to an emergency situation.
“It is important that boaters carry enough fuel for their voyage including some in reserve.
“The rule of three is the safest option, a third for your journey out, a third for your return and a third in reserve to get back safely,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Schott said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers kept watch over more 2,900 vessels which Logged On with service over the Easter break.
“We encourage all boaters to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW every time they hit the water.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency and can be done in a minute either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF marine channel 16,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW’s Greater Sydney region was the busiest in the state with volunteers completing 77 search and rescue missions, safely returning 220 people to shore.
The eight units located on the Hunter/Central Coast combined to complete 40 missions while 68 people were safely returned to shore across the Illawarra region where crews responded to 24 calls for assistance.
Greater Sydney’s Botany Port Hacking unit completed multiple responses to assist disabled vessels off Stanwell Park on the Illawarra Coast while a volunteer crew from Newcastle escorted a disabled sailing vessel with two exhausted sailors on board safely into Newcastle Harbour on Saturday night.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry returned two people and their disabled 14 metre yacht back to harbour after receiving a PAN PAN call at 2:45am on Saturday. The sailors made the call for help after the propeller shaft failed on their vessel 17 nautical miles (31km) southeast of Forster.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie also responded to a PAN PAN on Easter Monday after a mast snapped on a sloop with four people on board.
Three busiest Marine Rescue NSW regions – Easter 2024
Greater Sydney – 77 search & rescue missions including 11 emergency responses with 220 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Hunter/Central Coast – 40 search & rescue missions including 17 emergency responses with 108 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Illawarra – 24 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 68 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Newcastle have guided two sailors and their disabled vessel safely into harbour during a late night mission on the Hunter Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators received a call for assistance from the skipper of a 12 metre sloop just after 8:30pm last night (Saturday 30 March) after one of the sails on the vessel failed and they could not make headway one nautical mile off Redhead Point.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said a volunteer crew was deployed on board rescue vessel Newcastle 30.
“The crew onboard the sloop were exhausted because they had been unable to amend their sails as required for the weather conditions.
“They had tried for three-hours to continue their journey before requesting assistance from Marine Rescue NSW.
“The vessel was transiting north and was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW allowing our volunteers to easily track and locate it.
“Newcastle 30 reached the distressed vessel at 9:50pm and escorted it safely into Newcastle Harbour during a four hour operation which included waiting for a couple of bulk carriers at the mouth of the harbour,” she said.
“Our Marine Rescue NSW vessel crew and radio operators delivered a seamless night response which was completed just before 1:00am on Easter Sunday,” Inspector Greenslade said.
“The fact that the distressed vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW ensured a prompt response.
“We ask all boaters to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging On ensures our volunteers keep watch for a vessel’s safe return and saves vital time when assistance is required,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Marine Rescue NSW is expecting large numbers of boaters to hit the state’s waterways this Easter long weekend.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said across the Service’s 46 units, 3,300 volunteers are ready to respond to those needing assistance on the water.
“Marine Rescue NSW has had a busy start to the year with over 1500 search and rescue missions, we are expecting this Easter long weekend to be busy on the water.
“Last Easter our crews completed 109 search and rescue missions over the four days and safely returned 247 people to shore,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said safety and preparation is paramount to an enjoyable day on the water.
“We’re encouraging boaters this weekend to put all their eggs in one basket with the Marine Rescue NSW app. The app gives you live weather updates, safety checklists and importantly, you can Log On with your local Marine Rescue NSW base so that your safe return is being watched by our dedicated volunteers,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said it only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.
“It is simple to Log On. You can do it over the Marine Rescue app or via VHF marine radio channel 16.
“Keeping across the weather is vital to safe voyage.
“If you’re heading out on the water this weekend, make sure that you’ve got enough safety equipment, you have fuel and fuel and reserve, you’ve Logged On with your local Marine Rescue NSW base and of course, wear a lifejacket,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW’s 46 units across the state safely returned 918 people to shore in February, completing 440 search and rescue missions including 141 emergency responses.
Five Marine Rescue NSW units based in the Greater Sydney region (Sydney – State Communications Centre, Botany Port Hacking, Port Jackson, Middle Harbour and Cottage Point) were among the 10 busiest in the state while the Hunter/Central Coast’s Lake Macquarie unit completed the most search and rescue missions last month with 73 responses.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said just over 60% of incidents in February were for mechanical, fuel or battery issues while volunteers responded to 21 capsized vessels including two rollovers on the Ballina Bar and an overturned catamaran at Port Stephens.
“If your vessel capsizes, it becomes a life-threatening situation very quickly.
“It is important that you have your lifejacket on, that you stay with your vessel and if you do become separated that you stay together.
“If you can, get out a distress call. You can do this over VHF radio if you still have access to it and it is still working or you can try your mobile phone.
“It is important that you have Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW because if you don’t return as planned and you go over your Log Off time, Marine Rescue will start looking for you,” he said.
In February, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers kept watch over 6,152 vessels that Logged On with the Service either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16 while radio operators managed 19,618 calls including 14 MAYDAYs and 6 PAN PANs.
Commissioner Barrell said a few simple steps by boaters could go a long way to ensuring a safe and enjoyable day on the state’s waterways.
“It is important if you’re heading out on the water that you have the right safety equipment for your voyage, you’ve got enough fuel for your trip, you’ve Logged On with your local Marine Rescue NSW base and importantly you’ve checked the local weather conditions.
“It has been an extremely busy last few months for our volunteers and I want to thank each of them for their continued dedication to making sure that we are saving lives on the water,” he said.
Breakdown of February search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
Northern Rivers – 29 search and rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 54 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 14, Ballina 5, Iluka Yamba 5
Mid North Coast – 34 search & rescue missions including 27 emergency responses with 67 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Macquarie 10, Forster Tuncurry 8, Coffs Harbour 6
Hunter/Central Coast – 126 search & rescue missions including 29 emergency responses with 217 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 73, Port Stephens 25, Central Coast 15
Greater Sydney – 173 search & rescue missions including 20 emergency responses with 403 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney – State Communications Centre 49, Botany Port Hacking 47, Port Jackson 23
Illawarra – 40 search & rescue missions including 19 emergency responses with 87 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 12, Jervis Bay 10, Shoalhaven 7
Monaro – 38 search & rescue missions including 25 emergency responses with 90 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Batemans Bay 13, Bermagui 8, Eden 5
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 30 was tasked by Marine Area Command this morning to search for a reported missing boat with two people on board.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said Lake Macquarie 30 began the search at 7:50am.
“Two people went fishing on a small vessel late last night and reportedly failed to return after launching from Blacksmiths boat ramp.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are searching from Swansea Heads south to Norah Head.
“Offshore conditions are currently somewhat favourable,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay volunteer Norm Stanley put others above self this afternoon, going to the aid with a member of the public to save a woman struggling in the water at Huskisson.
Mr Stanley was on radio operations duty with a fellow volunteer at the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay base when at 4pm (Tuesday 12 March) he noticed a woman being swept into the bay by the strong outgoing tide just south of the Huskisson pool.
Mr Stanley ran downstairs at the base and grabbed the first floatable object he could find, which was an inflatable paddleboard from the unit’s lost property store.
He ran around to the beach and headed into the water along with a member of the public who also noticed the woman being swept away.
Mr Stanley along with the member of the public reached the woman, a British tourist and returned her to shore on the inflatable paddleboard.
Pictured Norm, the British tourist and Nathan Parnell.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Mr Stanley assessed the woman’s condition before returning to his post in the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay radio room.
“The rescued woman was very thankful, she was uninjured but a little shaken and we must commend the member of the public who also assisted.
“Norm and the member of the public’s actions are nothing short of heroic and the community is fortunate to have people like them living among them, the woman was very lucky.
“On an outgoing tide the water flows incredibly fast out of Currambene Creek, in certain conditions these waters can be quite dangerous,” he said.
Inspector Massey said Mr Stanley’s presence of mind to grab the inflatable paddleboard was exceptional.
“To respond so quickly and rescue the woman along with assistance from the other man shows how selfless and caring he is, we are very proud to have him part of the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay family.
“Whilst most of our rescues involve our vessel crew assisting boaters on the water, this was a unique situation that required an immediate response with a life at risk.
“If Norm had not reacted as quickly as he did, this situation may have had a different outcome,” he said.
Inspector Massey said Mr Stanley is extremely capable in the water and on it in a rescue craft.
“Norm is a very experienced Marine Rescue NSW volunteer, he not only volunteers in radio communications, he skipper’s one of our rescue vessels at the unit and is also a Rescue Watercraft (Jet Ski) operator with advanced resuscitation skills,” he said.
*Editor’s note: The member of the public listed in the article was Nathan Parnell, a local business owner and the first person on the scene. Nathan selflessly risked his own life as the first person who entered the water to help the tourist.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Merimbula have responded to multiple calls for assistance this morning (11 March 2024) including from a vessel at risk of sinking off Tathra.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a volunteer crew on board Merimbula 31 was returning to base after completing a rescue half a kilometre off Middle Beach when they were contacted by a skipper whose vessel was taking on water.
“The crew safely returned three anglers to South Merimbula boat ramp and their vessel after it suffered mechanical failure earlier this morning.
“Shortly after 10am, Radio Operators at Marine Rescue Merimbula took a request for assistance from a man on board a 36 foot flybridge cruiser that was taking on water north of Tathra.
“This incident was a PAN PAN and Merimbula 31 was immediately deployed to assist.
“Following an initial assessment of the situation, the skipper of the distressed vessel was supplied with an emersion pump to assist with removing water from inside the vessel.
“He was also wearing a lifejacket and had an EPIRB and flares ready to activate if required.
“MB 31 shadowed the distressed vessel north towards Bermagui as the harbour has slipway facilities.
“MB 31 and the distressed vessel were met by volunteers from Marine Rescue Bermagui on board BG 30.
“The response was transferred to the Bermagui crew who will shadow the vessel into harbour.
“The distressed vessel is still taking on water but the ingress is being managed.
“Because of the care that must be taken to get this vessel back to harbour, we expect the mission to take at least another two hours with an ETA just after 4pm,” Inspector Sullivan said.
During the joint response from Marine Rescue Merimbula and Bermagui, Marine Rescue NSW was requested by Marine Area Command to search for a 4.4 metre runabout, which capsized off Haycock Point this morning.
“Thankfully the two persons on board made it to shore themselves and have been retrieved by rescue helicopter,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Merimbula 31 began searching for the overturned vessel on Merimbula Bay but the boat has since washed up on the northern side of Haycock Point.
“The dedication, professionalism and teamwork shown by our volunteers from the Merimbula and Bermagui units has been exceptional,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Jackson and Middle Harbour were deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Port Jackson 31 this morning to assist Marine Area Command with a multi-agency search for a missing swimmer off Bronte.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said the volunteer crew on board Port Jackson 31 joined the search off Bronte at 8am.
“Port Jackson 31 conducted multiple legs of a parallel line search with Water Police vessels from Ben Buckler Point in the north to Botany Bay Heads in the south.
“Conditions were fair offshore this morning with a 1.5 metre swell and a moderate northeasterly wind but they are expected to deteriorate across the day.
“PJ 31 began returning to base at 11:30am.
“Marine Rescue NSW crews are on standby to assist further with the search should our volunteers be required by Marine Area Command,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Four volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal have been presented Commissioner’s Citations for their actions during the 2017 New Year’s Eve display explosions at Terrigal Haven which resulted in two people being thrown into the water and rescued by Marine Rescue NSW crew.
Volunteers on board Marine Rescue Central Coast vessels CC 13 and CC 22 which at the time were based at Terrigal Haven, provided on-water assistance for the fireworks display and were monitoring the exclusion zone when not long after the commencement of the display multiple explosions took place on the fireworks barge.
Two persons working on the barge ended up in the water and required immediate assistance.
Image:Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner’s Citation recipients (L to R) Adrian Nicholas, Darren Wright, Czeslaw Lawicki and Shaun Smith.
The volunteer crew of Shaun Smith and Darren Wright on board CC 13 responded and recovered the two persons in the water while Marine Rescue NSW vessel CC 22 provided support to the emergency response.
CC 13 transported the two persons to the Terrigal boat ramp where they were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before the rescue vessel returned to maintain the exclusion zone along with CC 22.
Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels and their crews were stood down at 10:50pm after the fireworks barge sunk.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell attended the Terrigal unit today and presented CC 13 crew Shaun Smith and Darren Wright and CC 22 crew Adrian Nicholas and Czeslaw Lawicki with Commissioner’s Citations.
“The volunteers involved in Terrigal Haven New Year’s Eve rescue have been recognised for their courage, bravery, teamwork and dedication to saving lives on the water.
“Their rapid response during this incident ensured that the two people on the barge were retrieved from the water quickly and taken for treatment.
“Our volunteers’ actions were selfless and heroic and I am extremely proud to award those involved with Commissioner’s Citations,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Image: Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presents the Commissioner’s Citation to Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteer Czeslaw Lawicki.
CC 13 crew member Shaun Smith is now the Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Terrigal and said the volunteers on duty that night provided a rapid response.
“The fireworks were still going off as we retrieved the first man, another person was thrown into the water by the second explosion, we got him on board the rescue vessel, they were both disorientated and one was struggling to breathe.
“We got them to the paramedics as quickly as we could and then headed back with CC 22 to enforce the exclusion zone because the fireworks were still going off.
“It is an honour to receive this award in recognition of our involvement on the night, we just knew people were in trouble and did everything we could to get them to safety,” he said.
Terrigal Unit Commander Smith said all four Marine Rescue NSW units on the Central Coast (Terrigal, Central Coast, Norah Head and Tuggerah Lakes) are looking to increase their membership.
“Marine Rescue NSW has a variety of volunteer opportunities for those wanting to get involved with the Service, from radio operations and vessel crew to fundraising.
“In the past 18 months Marine Rescue Terrigal’s membership has grown from 11 to 44 committed volunteers.
“We are actively seeking people to get involved with fundraising to support the unit’s operational costs,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell also presented Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteer John Finn with a 2nd Clasp National Medal for his 35 years of service to Marine Rescue NSW and the Royal Australian Navy Reserve.
Construction of Marine Rescue Brunswick’s new replacement vessel, Brunswick 30 is progressing well with the installation of the cabin and fuel systems after work commenced at Yamba Welding and Engineering on the NSW Northern Rivers late last year.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said the new Brunswick 30 is being delivered as part of the Service’s vessel replacement program.
“This boat is replacing the older Brunswick 30 vessel which is about 12 years old, she’s had a good life for the unit at Brunswick but the dated equipment and the changes and advancements in the search and rescue field mean that there is value in Marine Rescue NSW replacing the vessel.
“We look at our vessels, their age, strategic placement and local area requirements, balance it up with the current functionality and how we can improve the unit capability and it’s the right time to upgrade the Brunswick vessel,” he said.
Mr Parkin said the new Brunswick 30 is a 10 metre Naiad boat with improved technology.
“It has a more efficient hull shape with an axe head bow so she will be able to cross through the Brunswick Bar with ease and is powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower engines,” he said.
Mr Parkin said the replacement BR 30 features an impressive suite of search and rescue technology to assist volunteers with their mission of saving lives on the water.
“It will have the latest multi-function displays for the running systems on board the vessel, so the crew have access to everything they need technology wise at their fingertips.
“We are expecting the vessel to be ready for sea trials in early winter,” Mr Parkin said.
The NSW Government has contributed to the cost of the Brunswick replacement vessel to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,300 volunteers.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla conducted a contour search on Burrill Lake this afternoon after an unmanned four to five metre runabout was located near Kings Point.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a volunteer crew on board Ulladulla 10 spent more than an hour on water searching.
“Under the direction of Marine Area Command our crews searched the waters around where the unmanned vessel was found but did not locate anything out of the ordinary.
“The UL 10 crew was stood down at 4:20pm and has now returned to base.
“We understand that there have been no reports of a missing person,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW urges all boat owners to check that their vessel is moored correctly.
“Ropes age with the weather and can become brittle, please check the condition of your lines so that your vessel remains secure,” Inspector Massey said.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Ulladulla has been deployed to search waters on Burrill Lake after an unmanned tinny was located this afternoon with fishing gear on board.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said NSW Police Marine Area Command tasked rescue vessel Ulladulla 10 just before 2:30pm.
“A crew from Marine Rescue Ulladulla will search waters west of the bridge near Kings Point.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will conduct a contour search of the area on board Ulladulla 10 which is designed specifically to access shallow waters close to shore,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage completed a delicate six-hour response yesterday to assist a boater whose vessel suffered engine failure on Two Mile Lake in the Myall Lakes National Park.
Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage Unit Commander David Aselford said just before 11am (Sunday 3 March) volunteers received a call for assistance from a skipper with two teenagers on board his seven-metre ski boat.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lemon Tree Passage 30 was dispatched to assist with the rescue.
“After a long and slow trip up the very shallow and windy Myall River, the Marine Rescue NSW crew arrived and towed the vessel all the way through to the southern end of Myall Lake which is quite torturous through an S-bend turn and very shallow waters.
“Today’s mission was about a 60 nautical mile (approx 120km) round trip, which took about six hours to complete.
“The male skipper of the disabled vessel and the teenagers were very grateful for the assistance provided by our volunteer crew” he said.
Unit Commander Aselford said rescue vessel Lemon Tree Passage 30 is a versatile boat capable of both shallow operations in enclosed waters and offshore up to 30 kilometres.
“LT 30 can navigate the very windy and shallow areas of the Myall River and Karuah River to Allworth and up to the northern end of Myall Lake,” he said.
Yesterday’s marathon rescue was the Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage unit’s second in as many weeks.
“Only two weeks ago, we actually went further north into Myall Lake to rescue a vessel and tow it all the way back to Lemon Tree Passage,” Unit Commander Aselford said.
“This trip was in excess of eight hours because of the very slow return path trying to tow a large vessel around the bends in the Myall River,” he said.
Unit Commander Aselford said the Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage unit covers an area over 1,000 square kilometres and is reminding boaters of the importance of Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Logging On via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16 ensures our volunteers keep watch over a boater’s safe return.
“When a boater doesn’t return from their trip as planned we begin trying to locate them immediately.
“Logging On can save vital time in the event of emergency,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes saved a man struggling in Budgewoi Lake for more than 40 minutes on Saturday afternoon (March 2) after his kayak overturned in rough conditions throwing him into the water.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said a call for assistance was received at 3pm.
“The initial report was that multiple kayakers were struggling with one person in the water and in a life-threatening situation.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Tuggerah Lakes 21 was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command to respond along with Tuggerah Lakes 20.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board TL 21 retrieved a man in his 30s from the water.
“Our volunteers received aerial support from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter which was overhead.
“It’s understood the man had been in the water for more than 40 minutes.
“Thankfully he was wearing a personal flotation device which saved his life.
“He was transported by TL 21 back to the Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Toukley base while volunteers on board TL 20 escorted two other kayakers safely to shore,” Inspector Greenslade said.
NSW Ambulance paramedics also responded to provide assistance.
Inspector Greenslade said conditions were rough on Budgewoi Lake.
“The winds have been swirling around in excess of 25 knots creating a metre chop in areas.
“Radio operators at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes have managed multiple incidents today and we ask all boaters and paddlers to check conditions before heading out,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Eden completed a successful five-and-a-half hour rescue mission on Friday night.
A volunteer crew was deployed on board XRAY 30 from Snug Cove at 3:30pm Friday after a fisherman became stranded 22kms off Green Cape.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the man’s vessel suffered mechanical failure.
“NSW Police Marine Area Command tasked the Eden crew for the mission after a call for assistance was received just before 3pm Friday.
“A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Eden was assembled and rescue vessel XRAY 30 was on route to the stranded boater within 30 minutes.
“The seas were bumpy but the Marine Rescue Eden crew reached the disabled vessel in just over an hour,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said the boater was ok and his six metre vessel taken in tow by XRAY 30.
“The challenging sea conditions resulted in a slow and steady return to Eden.
“The man and his vessel were safely returned to Sung Cove at 9pm.
“It was a long, challenging afternoon and evening for our Marine Rescue Eden crew but they did an exceptional job along with our radio operators who provided vital communications during the rescue.
“We encourage all boaters to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging On ensures our volunteers keep watch for a boaters safe return,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Eden have been tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command to rescue a boater whose vessel suffered mechanical failure southeast of Eden this afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the call for assistance came through just before 3pm.
“The disabled vessel is approximately 12 nautical miles (22kms) off Green Cape.
“The lone person on board is safe and well.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and Marine Rescue NSW vessel XRAY 30 has been deployed.
“Conditions are deteriorating with a northeasterly developing.
“It is anticipated that our Marine Rescue Eden crew will reach the disabled vessel in just over an hour.
“Because of the distance and the current conditions it is expected that once our crew secures the disabled vessel, it will take approximately three hours to return the man and his boat to Eden,” Inspector Sullivan said.
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin today welcomed a new $862,930 Marine Rescue NSW vessel, which provides a significant boost for the Woolgoolga community.
Ms Saffin was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell to officially commission Woolgoolga 30 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
The new vessel, funded by the NSW Government, was today also named the Tamieka Lee.
Ms Saffin said it was an honour to commission the new vessel, which is a vital addition to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the region and the active users of our local waters.
“On behalf of the people of Woolgoolga, and visitors to our local waters, I thank all the dedicated, hardworking Marine Rescue volunteers,” she said.
Ms Saffin also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.
“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” Ms Saffin said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the new rescue vessel is a much-welcomed asset for the community.
“Boaters at Woolgoolga can rest easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble.
“Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Woolgoolga have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessel and are ready to respond to people in need,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The 9.5 metre Naiad Hamilton jet boat is powered by a 575 horsepower Cummins engine and features a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment and FLIR (forward looking infrared camera).
Commissioner Barrell said the replacement rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“This vessel is launched and retrieved from the beach which was a major factor in the design phase.
“Woolgoolga 30 can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”
“Marine Rescue Woolgoolga is a vital part of the Marine Rescue NSW network and we are fortunate to have 45 dedicated volunteers here committed to saving lives on the water,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Woolgoolga Unit Commander Brian Taylor thanked the NSW Government for funding the cost of the new vessel.
He said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former Ellis jet rescue boat.
“It is a superior vessel and an important asset for the community.
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water.
“This vessel has many important features including improved handling, manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort allowing our crews to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and conditions.
“It is much lighter and easier to control than the former vessel and can essentially turn on dime,” Unit Commander Taylor said.
“This vessel, the Tamieka Lee has been named in honour of two young people with a strong connection to our Deputy Unit Commander Shirley Teague who has dedicated more than 13 years to Marine Rescue NSW at both the Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga units.
“Shirley’s daughter Tamieka lost her life to ovarian cancer in 2016 and Lee lost his life not long after Tamieka passed.
“Lee is the son of Ursula and Trevor Kirby, long-time supporters of Marine Rescue Woolgoolga and close family friends of Shirley.
“We are proud that this new vessel bears Tamieka and Lee’s names and that their memories can live on while it carries out its vital life-saving work on the region’s waters,” Unit Commander Taylor said.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong The Hon. David Harris today welcomed a new $355,000 Marine Rescue NSW vessel, which provides a significant boost for the Tuggerah Lakes community.
Mr Harris was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell to officially commission Tuggerah Lakes 21 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
The new vessel, funded by the NSW Government and community donations, was today also named the Tony Younglove.
Mr Harris said the new vessel is a vital addition to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the region and the active users of our local waterways,” he said.
Mr Harris said it was an honour to commission the Tony Younglove in recognition of Tony’s commitment and contribution to the Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes unit.
“Tony is an extremely dedicated volunteer and was awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal in 2022.
“He has given so much to the community and it is wonderful that this new vessel will bear his name while it carries out its vital life-saving work on the region’s waterways.
“On behalf of the people of Tuggerah Lakes, and visitors to our local waterways, I thank Tony and all the dedicated, hardworking Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.
Mr Harris also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.
“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” Mr Harris said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the new rescue vessel is a much-welcomed asset for the community.
“Boaters and paddlers at Tuggerah Lakes can rest easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble.
“Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessel and are ready to respond to people in need,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Powered by twin 115 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and with a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment and FLIR (forward looking infrared camera), the vessel is a 6.3 metre walk-through centre console Naiad.
Commissioner Barrell said the replacement rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“As well as assisting boaters and paddlers on Tuggerah Lake, Budgewoi Lake, Lake Munmorah and surrounding waterways, this vessel can also quickly deploy up to seven nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”
“The Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes unit had its busiest year ever in 2023, completing a unit record 65 search and rescue missions, 14 of which were emergencies,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton thanked the local community for its generous support of the unit’s fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
He said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former Cobia rescue boat.
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water.
“The lakes are quite shallow and when the wind blows up these waterways become treacherous.
“This vessel has many important features including improved handling, manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort allowing our crews to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and conditions.
“Our crews cover an area of 80 square kilometres, assisting boaters, paddlers and users of our local waterways, and this vessel is a welcomed addition to our fleet.
“Naming this vessel the Tony Younglove, is a fitting tribute to much respected unit life-member Tony Younglove. Tony was Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander for six years from 2015. He is currently our Training Officer and is doing a wonderful job developing the unit’s next generation of volunteer crew,” he said. Mr Sutton said.
Marine Rescue NSW units along the Batemans and Eden Coasts have completed a dozen rescue missions for boaters stranded offshore with mechanical issues since last Saturday.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Bermagui were tasked for their fifth mission in four days yesterday (Tuesday 20 February) after a vessel with three fishermen on board suffered engine failure almost 15kms from Bermagui.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a volunteer crew was quickly assembled and Bermagui 30 was deployed to rescue the anglers.
“The men on board the disabled vessel called radio operators at Marine Rescue Bermagui stating they were unable to start their engine approximately 6.8 nautical mile east of Three Brothers Rocks.
“The volunteer crew on board BG 30 reached them and commenced a tow back to Bermagui Harbour which took just over an hour.
“The three men were safely returned to shore,” he said.
Volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Bermagui have travelled a total of 106 nautical miles (196kms) in open waters since last Saturday, safely returning 14 people to shore.
Inspector Sullivan said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers at Batemans Bay, Narooma and Eden have also completed offshore rescues in recent days as anglers chase marlin along the coast.
“In terms of rescues at the start of the marlin season, there’s been quite a considerable increase of those rescues.
“With the distances being so far offshore, rescues are taking up to nine or 10 hours when a vessel 39 miles offshore needs recovery,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said boaters who become stranded offshore can quickly find themselves in a life-threatening situation because conditions can change dramatically at sea.
“The dangers that are associated with that (being stranded offshore) is that they’re a disabled vessel and at the whim of the elements.
“So when conditions change, the storms roll in and the wind picks up, that can actually produce seasickness and then turn into a medical emergency as well.
“That’s why making the call (to Marine Rescue NSW) early and being able to get assistance as soon as possible is the best thing boaters can do,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan is asking all boaters heading offshore to ensure they have the correct working safety equipment including lifejackets, flares and an EPIRB.
“It is also vitally important that boaters make sure their vessel is maintained, their marine radio is working, they have enough fuel for their journey with some in reserve and that they Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have safely returned two anglers to shore following a challenging rescue overnight.
Radio operators at Marine Rescue Narooma took a call for assistance just after 5pm yesterday (Sunday 18 February) from a skipper whose seven-metre fiberglass vessel lost engine power and steerage 22 nautical miles (40kms) offshore.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the fishers were chasing marlin off Tuross Canyons when their vessel became disabled.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and deployed on rescue vessel Narooma 30.
“Thankfully a nearby private vessel provided initial assistance to the stranded anglers and commenced a tow.
“Narooma 30 arrived on scene took over the tow and planned to return the anglers and their disabled vessel to Narooma but conditions deteriorated during the rescue mission.
“Conditions were fair when the mission commenced but the seas became choppy because of increasing winds and a storm also affected visibility meaning crossing Narooma Bar would be dangerous with a vessel in tow,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said the bar conditions were again assessed and it was decided a bar crossing was not safe.
“The disabled vessel was quite heavy and with it having no steerage it was not safe for Narooma 30 to cross the bar with a boat in tow.
“Narooma Bar is the most dangerous and challenging in NSW.
“Safely is paramount for our volunteers and those we assist,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said a decision was made to task volunteers from Marine Rescue Bermagui to complete the rescue mission.
“Bermagui 30 was deployed and met Narooma 30 and the disabled vessel off the coast.
“The tow was transferred to BG 30 with the crew tasked to return to the disabled vessel to Bermagui Harbour.
“Considering the conditions, Bermagui Harbour was a safer harbour entrance and the disabled vessel and its crew were returned to harbour at 10:45pm.
“We took the safest option last night and everyone involved was able to return home safely which is the most important thing.
“NA 30 safely crossed the Narooma Bar and returned to base at 10pm.
“Both Marine Rescue NSW crews performed extremely well in challenging conditions and our radio operators provided exceptional communications for the rescue mission,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said boaters looking to cross Narooma Bar should always standoff, check the conditions, seek advice from Marine Rescue NSW and then decide whether it is safe to proceed.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet have both responded to boaters stranded offshore after their vessels suffered mechanical failure today.
Radio Operators at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay took a call for assistance from a fisherman on VHF channel 16 just after 11am after his 6.5 metre boat lost power 13 kilometres off Jervis Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said the disabled vessel had two males and two children on board.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Jervis Bay 41 was deployed for the rescue mission.
“Conditions were average with bumpy seas.
“JB 41 reached the disabled vessel and towed it back to Murrays Beach boat ramp along with the four persons on board.
“Because of the conditions and distance involved, it took over an hour to return the vessel and people to shore.
“Our volunteers treated some of the people from the disabled vessel for seasickness when they arrived at the boat ramp.
“The fact that the vessel had a working marine radio saved them from being stranded at sea for lengthy period of time.
“You can’t see land that far off the coast, it is vitally important that boaters ensure their radio is working, they Log On with Marine Rescue NSW and they have all the correct safety equipment on board before heading out,” Inspector Massey said.
As JB 41 was returning with the disabled vessel in tow, volunteers at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet received a call for assistance from a boater whose vessel also succumb to mechanical failure seven kilometres offshore.
“A volunteer crew was assembled quickly with Sussex Inlet 20 tasked for the mission,” Inspector Massey said.
“The sole boater and his vessel are currently being returned to Sanctuary Point.
“Marine Rescue NSW units often have multiple responses happening at the same time and today’s incidents off the Illawarra Coast highlight the operational readiness and efficiency of our volunteers to respond swiftly to boaters in need,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes have begun induction and training on the unit’s new rescue vessel Alpine Lakes 20.
The Gray’s Marine and Welding built boat was delivered to the Alpine Lakes unit this week and Marine Rescue NSW Monaro Inspector Glenn Sullivan said crews immediately began learning the new vessel on Lake Jindabyne.
“Our volunteers were blown away by the size and quality of the new 6.8 metre vessel.
“Once they got out on the water they were impressed with the room inside the cabin, the space on the back deck and latest search and rescue technology on board,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said the purpose built first of its kind vessel surpassed the unit’s expectations with its handling and ease of launch.
“This vessel can be launched quickly which is vital for rapid response and our mission of saving lives on the water.
“We have commenced induction and training on the new Alpine Lakes 20.
“The vessel has been handed over the Unit Commander and our skippers at the unit to continue the process with all crew members on the vessel, once that is completed in the coming weeks the vessel will go into operational service,” he said.
The ongoing financial support of the NSW Government has contributed to the cost of AL 20 to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,300 volunteers.
Inspector Sullivan said Alpine Lakes 20 will be based at Lake Eucumbene once the Alpine Lakes unit’s new facility is completed at Buckenderra later this year.
“We are grateful to the Buckenderra Holiday Village and Bendigo Bank for supporting the new facility which will provide reassurance for people enjoying the waters of Lake Eucumbene,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW’s 46 units across the state completed 703 search and rescue missions in January, safely returning 1,788 people to shore.
Greater Sydney was the busiest region in NSW with 285 missions while Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was the most in-demand unit, completing 106 search and rescue missions.
A quarter of last month’s missions were emergency responses and Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell is pleading with boaters not to become a statistic with the boating season continuing until Anzac Day.
“Summer is by far from over at the moment, our message to boaters is to make sure that they don’t get complacent, that they keep safety front of mind and they make the right decisions before they go boating on the state’s waterways,” Commissioner Barrell said.
10% of incidents in January were for capsized or grounded vessels, which can quickly become life-threatening emergencies and Commissioner Barrell is encouraging boaters to always check equipment and conditions.
“Waterways are great places to be but it is important that you check the conditions and your equipment, not once but twice, make sure that you have everything you need and that you keep safety front of mind.
“What we’ve seen over recent weeks and months is unstable weather conditions. It may be good at one point in the day, but it suddenly changes, that is why it is important that you check the conditions.
“Whether you’re boating, rock fishing, anytime you are around that coastal environment, it is really important that you continually check the weather,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 26,047 radio calls last month including 18 MAYDAYs and 11 PAN PANs while the Service’s volunteers kept watch over 32,256 people on board vessels that Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
Commissioner Barrell said that many Marine Rescue NSW units are currently recruiting members for radio operations and vessel crew.
“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers as part of Marine Rescue NSW.
“Our volunteers are professionally trained to the highest standard and are regularly assessed so when that phone rings we have got professional personnel to go out and undertake our rescue work,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Breakdown of search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
Northern Rivers – 26 search and rescue missions including 10 emergency responses with 48 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Iluka Yamba 8, Point Danger 7, Ballina 7
Mid North Coast – 43 search & rescue missions including 19 emergency responses with 120 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Forster Tuncurry 18, Port Macquarie 8, Nambucca 7
Hunter/Central Coast – 215 search & rescue missions including 37 emergency responses with 499 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 106, Central Coast 40, Port Stephens 39
Greater Sydney – 285 search & rescue missions including 31 emergency responses with 770 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney (State Communications Centre) 84, Botany Port Hacking 63, Cottage Point 40
Illawarra – 87 search & rescue missions including 40 emergency responses with 229 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Jervis Bay 31, Port Kembla 21, Shoalhaven 17
Monaro – 47 search & rescue missions including 37 emergency responses with 122 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina responded to reports of a capsized vessel with two people in the water early yesterday morning (Sunday 11 February).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said radio operators at the Ballina base took a call for assistance just after 7am and rescue vessel Ballina 30 was deployed.
“Conditions were challenging with a 2.5 metre sea and a 20km/h southerly wind.
“Thankfully both men on board the capsized 4.2 metre open runabout were wearing lifejackets and there was a flood tide running in.
“A private fishing vessel retrieved one of the men while volunteers on board BA 30 rescued the other man from beside the overturned boat.
“The man collected by the private vessel was transferred to BA 30.
“Our crew then secured the upturned vessel and towed it to the Sailing Club boat ramp while both men were returned safely to shore.
“NSW Ambulance paramedics assed the men with one of them suffering a minor cut to his leg,” he said.
Inspector Page said a large wave washed over the boat moments before it capsized.
“The impact of that wave resulted in the skipper being thrown into the water while the next wave caught the side of the boat resulting in it being overturned and the second man also going into the water.
“The men were lucky that another vessel was nearby and that our rescue crew responded quickly.
“The Ballina Bar is challenging and can be dangerous at times.
“We ask all boaters to treat coastal bars with caution.
“A high tide is about the safest time to cross but if you’re not sure, don’t go out, the price is really high if you get it wrong crossing a bar.
“Good advice is to sit off the bar in your boat, have a look at the way the waves are coming in, you will see a section where the waves are not breaking, that is the deepest water to travel out, use the navigational leads and if you’re not sure, don’t go out,” Inspector Page said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Brunswick, Point Danger and the Port Macquarie radio hub combined overnight to complete a successful rescue of a disabled 18 metre motor cruiser with three people on board off Cape Byron.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators at Port Macquarie took a call for assistance from the vessel after it experienced mechanical issues and lost all power, three kilometres off Cape Byron around 7:15 last night (Tuesday 6 February, 2024).
Marine Rescue Brunswick was tasked for the mission and a volunteer crew deployed on board Brunswick 30.
BR 30 reached the distressed vessel that was transiting from Sydney to Queensland when it became disabled.
The crew on board Brunswick 30 secured the disabled vessel and initiated a tow but Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit Commander Keith Smith said PD 31 was tasked to complete the mission because of the size of the motor cruiser.
“The boat was so large, it couldn’t be taken into the Brunswick River, so we towed it into the Tweed River,” he said.
Unit Commander Smith said Point Danger 31 travelled around 55 kilometres with the disabled vessel in tow.
“Our crew of six were activated about eight o’clock last night and didn’t finish the tow job till about 5:30 this morning, so while all the people on the Tweed and Gold Coast were asleep our crew was out there saving lives on the water.
“A watch officer from the Point Danger unit oversaw our rescue vessel while radio operators at the Port Macquarie hub did a wonderful job providing communications along with the Brunswick crew who were first to assist on-water, this was real team effort,” he said.
Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit Commander Smith said PD 31 had a crew of six volunteers on board.
“We had four qualified crew members and we also used it as a training exercise where we took two trainees down as well, they gained some real life experience in saving lives on the water,” he said.
The three people on board the disabled vessel were safely returned to shore and were relieved to be on land.
Marine Rescue NSW vessels Coffs Harbour 30, Trial Bay 30 and two-rescue watercraft from Marine Rescue Trial Bay have been stood down by Marine Area Command from the multi-agency search for two paddleboarders believed to be missing off Nambucca Heads.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said conditions have deteriorated in the area and the crews were stood down at 10:15am.
“Conditions were challenging for our volunteer crews with 25 knot winds combined with a one and a half metre swell.
“Coffs Harbour 30 and Trial Bay 30 resumed the search at 8:00am after spending a few hours searching last night.
“They were supported on-water this morning by rescue watercraft TB 11 and TB 12 and conducted a parallel line search from Nambucca Heads to South West Rocks.
“The professionalism and commitment displayed by our volunteers both on-water and in radio operations last night and again this morning has been exceptional.
“Our crews have returned to base and awaiting further instructions from Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteers on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lemon Tree 30 responded to a PAN PAN off Nelson Head on the Hunter Coast this morning after a catamaran with three people on board capsized.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said radio operators at Marine Rescue Port Stephens took the initial call at 11.20am today.
“With the Marine Rescue Port Stephens vessels committed to the search for a missing rock fisherman and other calls for assistance by boaters in the area, the Lemon Tree Passage unit was tasked for the rescue mission and LT 30 was deployed at the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command who also attended the incident.
“Thankfully other boats were monitoring the sailors when the Marine Rescue NSW vessel arrived.
“The three people were all sitting on the hull.
“They were all uninjured and safely returned to shore.
“It is believed one of the hulls on one side of the catamaran filled with water forcing it to overturn.
“The disabled vessel was secured and towed to Little Beach by Lemon Tree 30,” she said.
“The crew on board Lemon Tree 30 and our radio operators from both the Lemon Tree Passage and Port Stephens units worked seamlessly to complete a successful rescue mission,” Inspector Greenslade said.
“The other vessels that monitored the people on the capsized catamaran should also be commended for keeping watch over the incident,” she said.
Long serving Marine Rescue Port Stephens volunteer Harold (Harry) Gibson has been recognised for almost four decades of service with life membership to Marine Rescue NSW.
Mr Gibson was presented the award at this weekend’s Marine Rescue NSW board meeting in Newcastle.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it was wonderful to add Mr Gibson to the Service’s celebrated group of life members.
“This is an honour bestowed upon a member for exceptional service granted to him through the Board of Marine Rescue New South Wales.
“This award for Harry recognises nearly 40 years of dedicated service to Marine Rescue New South Wales, and importantly the boating community,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Mr Gibson is today a valued member of the Marine Rescue NSW Protocol Committee and began volunteering with the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in April 1985, he said it was his interest in amateur radio that attracted him to offer his services.
“I felt I had a lot to offer the organisation plus I’ve been in the area (Nelson Bay) most of my life.
“I had Coxswain and diesel engineering certificates, so I was able to bring those skills along and help new members.
“It gave me such a thrill, I still do that (today), I still mentor new members,” he said.
Mr Gibson said he was honoured to receive the award and provided an insight into the emotion of saving lives on the water.
“There are highlights, very good times and very sad times that I do not talk about.
“The good times are when you’ve rescued people way out, 35 miles plus out to sea.
“You tow them in all night and for them to come up once we boarded the wharf just to hug you and say thank you, ‘we owe you our life you’ve done so much for us,’ that more than pays for everything, to see those people back on land safe, it’s a big thrill.
“It’s well worth all the danger, practice and exercise we put into the training,” Mr Gibson said.
Four fishers stranded 15 kilometres off Malua Bay after their boat suffered mechanical failure this morning have been rescued by a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Batemans Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a call for assistance was received from the stricken vessel just after 8:30am.
“A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Batemans Bay was tasked and rescue vessel Batemans Bay 30 was on-water at 9am.
“Initially we were told the vessel was around 28 kilometres off shore but once our crew was on route the distance was actually 15 kilometres.
“Thankfully the forecast conditions weren’t as challenging as expected and our crew reached the distressed vessel in just over 30 minutes.
“All on board the distressed vessel were safe and the disabled six to seven metre cabin runabout was towed back to Hanging Rock boat ramp.
“Our crew responded swiftly and with the assistance of radio operators from Marine Rescue Batemans Bay completed the mission just after 11am,” he said.
“As the crew on board Batemans 30 were returning to base conditions were starting to deteriorate and the northeasterly has picked up,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“A hazardous surf warning is in place for the Batemans Coast so we ask all boaters to assess the conditions before heading out.
“For those further south, a gale warning is currently in place for the Eden Coast and it is not advisable to head out on the water,” he said.
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven has bolstered its rescue capability with a new state-of-the-art life-saving device after being awarded a grant by Manildra Group.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond said the generosity of Manildra Group aided the unit to purchase the Marine Rescue Illawarra region’s first ever USafe, a motorised remote controlled lifebuoy for rescue missions on Shoalhaven waterways.
“The USafe is a versatile and reliable piece of equipment that will assist our volunteers greatly in their mission of saving lives on the water.
“It is also reassuring for boaters, paddlers and swimmers who use our local waterways that this valuable tool is at the ready should they require assistance.
“The financial support provided by Manildra Group to add the USafe to our rescue capability is greatly appreciated,” Southern Zone Commander Hammond said.
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Deputy Unit Commander Hocking said the USafe is operated by remote control and is a valuable life-saving tool for the Shoalhaven unit’s 102 volunteer members.
“The USafe will assist rescue crews in locations where we may not be able to get a vessel, like close to rocks or in shallow waters.
“This incredible piece of equipment can assist with recovering people in the water or getting a tow line to a disabled vessel in a challenging location.
“The device is easily transferable between the Shoalhaven unit’s two rescue vessels and will be deployed when required to assist with the tasked mission.
“The USafe has a 300 metre working range and can transport up to 160kgs of buoyancy.
“It also features variable speed motor so our rescue crews can approach a person gently or steer around hazards in the water,” Ms Hocking said.
Manildra Group Shoalhaven Starches Site Manager Tertius Jones said the organisation was delighted to donate $13,000 to Marine Rescue Shoalhaven for the acquisition of the USafe, which will help save more lives on the water.
“We take great pride in our partnership with Marine Rescue Shoalhaven and their team of inspirational local volunteers who provide their time, energy, and commitment in life-saving work to protect and assist those who need assistance on the water.
“With our manufacturing site located on the Shoalhaven River, it’s important we support the work of Marine Rescue Shoalhaven in actively patrolling and performing search and rescue missions on our local waters.
“Our family-owned Australian business is deeply committed to creating positive impacts and strengthening resilience in our local communities and we’re proud our donation will further support Marine Rescue Shoalhaven’s mission to save lives on the water.
“Manildra Group also continues to invest in innovation and expansion of value-adding capabilities at our Shoalhaven Starches site – the world’s largest wheat gluten and starch plant of its kind,” Mr Jones said.
A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Botany Hacking 30 was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command last night after an EPIRB was activated by a distressed vessel with three people on board off the Illawarra Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said a five to six metre centre console boat reported it was sinking approximately half-a-nautical mile (1km) east of the Sea Cliff Bridge at Stanwell Park.
“Botany Hacking 30 was deployed just after 7:00pm.
“The BH 30 crew with the support of radio operators from the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre headed to the location in fading light to provide assistance.
“Our rescue vessel was closing in on the distressed boat but it thankfully made its way to Bellambi boat ramp unaided.
“The movement of the distressed vessel slowed the intake of water allowing it to get back shore.
“If the situation deteriorated our volunteer crew was well positioned to assist the three people on board the distressed vessel.
“When offshore it is important to have an EPIRB on board and depending on the distance a boater is travelling it is a legal requirement to carry one.
“Activating an EPIRB emits a continuous distinctive radio distress signal for up to 48 hours which aids Emergency Services to coordinate a rescue response.
“An EPIRB is an important lifesaving tool and should only ever be used when a person is in grave and imminent danger which was the case last night,” Inspector Greenslade said.
An adult male and young child have been saved by a Marine Rescue Nambucca rescue watercraft (RWC) operator after being spotted struggling against the tide and heading towards the ‘hole in the wall’ on the Nambucca River just before 12pm today.
Marine Rescue Nambucca Unit Commander Gary Nichols said rescue watercraft operators on board NH 12 and NH 10 were conducting their daily patrol of the inner and outer beaches around the Nambucca Bar when the swimmers were spotted.
“Our volunteer operator on NH 12 noticed a male adult and young child battling against the tide and proceeded to check on them.
“As NH 12 approached the pair were being washed through the ‘hole in the wall’.
“Our rescue watercraft operator immediately went to their aid and assisted them onto the sled which is attached the rear of the RWC.
“He then took them to the nearest beach, assessed their condition and remained with them until they indicated they were ok.
“Our base provided clear communications for the mission with all involved working seamlessly to effect a successful rescue,” Unit Commander Nichols said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said the proactive approach to search and rescue at Nambucca Heads shows the dedication of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in saving lives at sea.
“The Marine Rescue Nambucca unit monitor the waters during the outgoing tide when the highest risk exists for swimmers to be taken out to sea.
“We encourage all locals and visitors to Nambucca Heads to be very mindful of the outgoing tide when swimming as people can very quickly find themselves in trouble.
“An outgoing tide in that area can run up to six knots which is quite powerful and would challenge even the strongest of swimmers,” he said.
Inspector Page is also urging boaters planning to hit the water this long weekend to make sure their engine and battery is in good working order before heading out.
“Ensure you have the correct safety equipment, carry enough fuel and don’t forget to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW.
“When boating on our local waters please remember to wear a lifejacket.
“It can’t save you if you’re not wearing it,” he said.
Logging On via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16 ensures that the Service’s volunteers keep watch for a boater’s safe return.
Logging On can save vital time in the event of an emergency.
Inspector Page is also urging boaters and paddlers to resist hitting the water if conditions deteriorate.
“Keep an eye on conditions and always check them prior to going out and if there is any doubt, don’t go out,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie saved three teenage boys this morning after their tinny capsized on the southern side of Wangi Wangi on Lake Macquarie.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said the Lake Macquarie unit was tasked to respond after receiving a call from NSW Police Marine Area Command at 10:37am.
“We were told that a vessel had overturned with three people in the water.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 30 was deployed with a volunteer crew on board and within 12 minutes all three teenage boys had been saved.
“The boys were retrieved from the water by our crew and safely taken on board LM 30,” Inspector Raymond said.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Unit Commander Jim Wright said the three boys were wearing lifejackets.
“The boys had been in the water for around 30 minutes so the fact they were wearing lifejackets was crucial.
“They were holding onto the side of their hull when our crew arrived.
“The LM 30 crew provided basic first aid, checked them over for hypothermia, dried them off and wrapped them in space blankets before taking them and their vessel back to the Dobell Park boat ramp.
“They were uninjured and met by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the boat ramp,” Mr Wright said.
The Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Unit Commander praised the volunteers involved in the rescue.
“Our radio operators did a wonderful job managing the communications for the rescue mission while the crew on board Lake Macquarie 30 responded swiftly and efficiently.
“Our volunteers train for quick deployment and for our crew to reach the distressed vessel and retrieve the three boys from the water within 12 minutes is exceptional.
“Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie can respond quickly to incidents because we have volunteers at the Pelican base from 6am to 6pm seven days a week,” he said.
Unit Commander Wright said the teens and their boat was located overturned between Pulbah Island and the Dobell Park boat ramp.
“It is a notorious spot when the wind picks up and a southerly has been blowing today.
“For boaters who have not been in that area of the lake, we ask them to take care especially when it is windy.
“We also ask all boaters to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging On ensures our volunteers keep watch for the safe return of boaters.
“Logging On also saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Unit Commander Wright said.
Marine Rescue NSW has completed its busiest year on record with 4,786 search and rescue missions across the state in 2023, as favourable weather lures boaters onto waterways.
All six regions with Marine Rescue NSW units had a record number of rescues in 2023, including the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter/Central Coast, Greater Sydney, Illawarra and Monaro.
Surpassing last year’s record figure, the volunteer water rescue organisation safely returned 10,645 people to shore in an 18 per cent increase in rescue missions across the state’s coastal and inland waterways.
Lake Macquarie was the busiest area for rescue missions across NSW, while a quarter of the Botany Port Hacking unit’s 400 missions were emergency responses.
The Botany Port Hacking unit covers a challenging area including Botany Bay, Georges River, Port Hacking and 30 nautical miles offshore where a large volume of traffic and variable conditions can lead to boaters and paddlers needing assistance.
In its first Budget, the Minns Labor Government made a record $73 million commitment to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,300 volunteers.
The significant four-year investment will bolster Marine Rescue NSW’s fleet, including new multi-purpose and rescue vessels and the refurbishment of other rescue vessels, as well as fund new bases at Stockton and Middle Harbour.
More than 80,000 trips were logged with Marine Rescue NSW in 2023, almost 16,500 more than the previous year.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators had a busy 2023, managing 258,742 radio calls – or a call every two minutes – with a large number managed by the 24/7 Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre at Belrose.
More than half the incidents in 2023 could potentially have been avoided with better boat maintenance, with 57 per cent of calls for mechanical, battery or fuel issues.
Boat users are urged to follow these steps to stay safe this boating season:
Log On and Off with Marine Rescue via VHF Channel 16 or use the free Marine Rescue NSW app available for iOS and Android devices.
Make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.
Make sure your vessel’s engine and battery are working.
Make sure you have enough fuel and some in reserve.
Always check conditions and safety equipment.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“The dedicated volunteers across the 46 Marine Rescue units answer calls night and day to keep boaters safe on our waterways, and I commend them on everything they have done over the busiest year for Marine Rescue yet.”
“After boating seasons have been impacted by wet weather brought on by La Nina, as well as Covid lockdowns, more people are now taking the opportunity to get out on our beautiful waterways and enjoy the warmer weather.”
“I encourage people to enjoy our coastline and inland waterways safely, and by logging on and off with Marine Rescue our volunteers will be in a position to respond if things don’t go to plan.”
“It is pleasing to see that over the past 12 months there has been an increase of 16,500 boaters using Marine Rescue’s free Log On service with more than 80,000 trips logged last year.”
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said:
“Almost a third of incidents last year were emergencies such as capsized boats, missing people, groundings and fires on vessels.”
“Response times for these incidents is reduced dramatically if a boater is logged on with Marine Rescue NSW.”
“We ask all boaters to ensure that they check their vessel’s engine and battery every time they plan to head out on the water.”
“Mechanical and fuel issues can quickly become life-threatening emergencies on the water, so make sure you have enough fuel and some in reserve.”
Breakdown of rescues across regions:
Northern Rivers – 353 search and rescue missions including 213 emergency responses with 733 people safely returned to shore. Locations of highest demand were Point Danger, Ballina and Iluka Yamba.
Mid North Coast – 390 search and rescue missions including 213 emergency responses with 907 people safely returned to shore. Locations of highest demand were Forster/Tuncurry, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
Hunter/Central Coast – 1,511 search and rescue missions including 341 emergency responses with 3,079 people safely returned to shore. Locations of highest demand were Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Central Coast.
Greater Sydney – 1,774 search and rescue missions including 285 emergency responses with 4,262 people safely returned to shore (across all seven Greater Sydney units). Locations of highest demand were Sydney (State Communications Centre), Botany Port Hacking and Port Jackson.
Illawarra – 481 search and rescue missions including 245 emergency responses with 1,091 people safely returned to shore. Locations of highest demand were Port Kembla, Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven.
Monaro – 277 search and rescue missions including 180 emergency responses with 566 people safely returned to shore. Locations of highest demand were Batemans Bay, Eden and Narooma.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Batemans Bay successfully completed a medical evacuation from a yacht after radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre received a call for assistance last night (13 January 2024).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the call was received just after 6pm Saturday while the vessel was almost six nautical miles southeast of the Tollgate Islands.
“A person on board the yacht became unwell and they required urgent medical assistance.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and Batemans Bay 30 was deployed for the mission.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers reached the yacht swiftly.
“The crew transferred the patient from the yacht onto BM 30 and took them to waiting paramedics at Hanging Rock boat ramp.
“Our radio operators and vessel crew provided a prompt response to ensure the patient could receive vital medical treatment,” Inspector Sullivan said.
The remaining crew on board the yacht continued its journey while the patient was transported by NSW Ambulance to hospital.
Construction of Marine Rescue Trial Bay’s new replacement vessel, Trail Bay 30 is progressing well after fabrication commenced at Yamba Welding and Engineering on the NSW Northern Rivers last November.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said the new Trial Bay 30 is being delivered as part of the Service’s vessel replacement program.
“TB 30 that is in current operation is around 12 years old, it’s had a really good life for Marine Rescue NSW but we’ve got to update our fleet and equipment to be at the latest technology.
“We look at our vessels, their age and how much it costs to do a refurbishment compared to buying a new one and it’s time to replace the Trial Bay vessel,” he said.
Mr Parkin said the new Trial Bay 30 is a 10 metre Naiad boat with improved technology.
“It has an updated hull shape with the axe head bow and twin 300 horsepower (engines), new radio system and multi-function displays.
“We are expecting the vessel to be ready for sea trials in April.
“Everything is coming together nicely, the hull is on schedule, the top frame which is the wheelhouse is now constructed so it is time to flip it over and put everything else together,” Mr Parkin said.
The NSW Government has contributed to the cost of the Trial Bay replacement vessel to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,300 volunteers.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Point Danger and other emergency services responded to a houseboat that needed assistance on the Tweed River at Murwillumbah just after 9am this morning.
There were concerns the vessel may strike the Condong Bridge on the swollen river.
Water Police safely secured the vessel.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said boaters should assess conditions before heading out on the Tweed River.
“Following a substantial amount of rain in the region, the river is swollen with a strong current running.
“Water levels have increased affecting vessel clearance heights.
“Boaters should be aware of increased debris creating hazards on our waterways, they should also ensure that their vessel is moored and anchored securely,” Inspector Murray said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Batemans Bay have this afternoon assisted the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) whale disentanglement team off Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast.
Crews on board Marine Rescue NSW vessels Batemans Bay 20 and Batemans Bay 30 were deployed just after midday today.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the Marine Rescue NSW vessels provided on-water assistance to the NPWS crews.
“The crew on board Batemans Bay 20 tracked the humpback from near the Tollgate Islands north until specialists could begin the disentanglement operation while Batemans Bay 30 transported two of the NPWS tactical team to the entangled whale.
“It’s believed the whale might have been entangled for some time.
“Our crews were stood down at 3:45pm with NPWS vessels and personnel still on scene.
“Marine Rescue Batemans Bay is on standby to provide further assistance if required,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Five Marine Rescue NSW assets have been deployed this morning as the search continues for a missing male swimmer off Congo Beach on the state’s South Coast.
Batemans Bay 30,Narooma 30 and Tuross Moruya 21 have been joined by volunteers on board two-rescue watercraft (jet skis) from Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya.
Under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command, volunteer crews are conducting a contour line search from Bingie Point north to Pedro Point.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers resumed day three of the search at 8:30am.
Volunteer radio operators from Marine Rescue Batemans Bay answered a PAN PAN call from a vessel contesting the Sydney to Hobart yacht race just before 11:30 this morning with a person on board requiring medical assistance.
The racing yacht was 10 nautical miles east of Batemans Bay when the call was received.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said with multiple Marine Rescue NSW vessels assisting the search for a missing swimmer off Congo Beach, NSW Police Marine Area Command vessel Nemesis was deployed to assist.
“Nemesis reached the racing yacht and transferred the patient on board.
“The person was then taken to Hanging Rock boat ramp where they were met by NSW Ambulance paramedics and transported to hospital for treatment.
“The seamless communication between all Emergency Services involved resulted in a swift and effective response,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Narooma 30, Tuross Moruya 21 and Batemans Bay 30 have recommenced a multi-agency search for a missing male swimmer on the South Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the Marine Rescue NSW vessels are currently conducting a contour line search off Congo Beach.
“Our crews resumed the search at 8:30am under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“All three Marine Rescue NSW vessels are focusing on an area from Pedro Point in the north to Bingie Point in the south.
“Conditions have improved offshore but the water quality is poor with a number of logs floating on the surface.
“Our crews are assisting NSW Water Police vessel Nemesis, officers from Eden Water Police and PolAir,” Inspector Sullivan said.
All three Marine Rescue NSW vessels spent multiple hours searching for the missing swimmer after being tasked late yesterday afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW is asking those planning to hit Hunter Central Coast waterways this holiday season to boat or paddle like their life depends on it.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond is urging boaters to approach crossing bars with caution.
“The main bar is at Lake Macquarie at the entrance to the lake.
“It can be very changeable, the outgoing tide towards the lower part of that tide with the normal northeasterly breeze which we get during summer can make the bar stand up quite high and become quite rough.
“You could go out in the morning with a high tide with very little breeze and be as calm as anything but late afternoon with the northeasterly wind coming in and the lowering tide, you could be in great danger.
“We also have part of a bar at Port Stephens, it’s called the washing machine and it can get very rough in different conditions.
“Any area off the coast conditions can change quickly especially with the northeasterly coming in during the afternoon and during summer with the southerly changes coming through, conditions can change very quickly and you can find yourself getting caught out,” Inspector Raymond said.
Boaters looking to cross a bar should standoff, check the conditions and then decide whether it is safe to proceed.
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Capsized vessels can lead to life-threatening emergencies and Inspector Raymond said boaters and paddlers should always wear a lifejacket and remember some key actions should they find themselves in the water.
“Hopefully you’ve got your lifejacket on to start with.
“If you capsize and you haven’t got them (lifejackets) the first thing you would be doing is trying to get your lifejackets out of your vessel.
“If you can get your safety equipment which is your flares or radio so that you can let people know that you’re in trouble.
“Stay with your vessel and hopefully there’s people around you or you can get in contact with Marine Rescue NSW on your VHF radio, a lot of phones are waterproof and you can still ring triple zero (000).
“If you’ve Logged On with Marine Rescue when you go overdue we will start looking for you and if you have had the app running we will know where you are and we can come and get you but certainly if you capsize stay with your vessel,” he said.
Boaters and paddlers are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16 every time they head out on the water with paddlers more vulnerable to minor changes in conditions.
“Logging On is really important,” Inspector Raymond said.
“On our lakes and in our harbours the wind changes can happen very quickly and the conditions can change and worsen and you can be in great danger if you’re out there in those changing conditions.
“Once you’ve Logged On and if you make sure you keep your app open we can actually track where you are so if you are running late or overdue we can come and look for you,” he said.
Inspector Raymond said Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW saves vital time during an emergency response.
He is also reminding boaters to assess conditions and prepare thoroughly before hitting the water this holiday season.
“Be prepared, look out for the weather and changes in the weather and make sure that your boat is ready to go,” Inspector Raymond said.
In the first 11 months of 2023, the eight Marine Rescue NSW units located in the Hunter Central Coast region (Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast and Terrigal) have completed 1,329 search and rescue missions, safely returning 2,640 people to shore.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes have retrieved a distressed swimmer from Budgewoi Lake after receiving a call around 8:30am today.
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Tuggerah Lakes 20 was deployed for the search and rescue mission following reports a swimmer was struggling in the water approximately 400 metres off the Beachcomber Hotel.
The person in distress was reached by an off duty paramedic who was paddling on the Lake minutes before Tuggerah Lakes 20 arrived on scene.
A man suffering from suspected hypothermia and fatigue was taken on board Tuggerah Lakes 20 and transported to waiting paramedics at the Marine Rescue Toukley base.
The man was then transported by NSW Ambulance to Wyong Hospital for treatment.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton commended the paddler for assisting the man before TL 20 arrived.
“The paddler did an incredible job before the distressed swimmer was taken on board the Marine Rescue NSW vessel.
“TL 20 skipper Steve Corbett and his crew Bruce Lorking and trainee Brad Drew responded swiftly after the alert was raised.
“We believe the swimmer had been in the water for an extended period of time,” he said.
Unit Commander Sutton was working in the radio room during the time of the rescue, which was supported by radio operators from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes.
“The Entrance and Toukley radio rooms managed communications with Roslyn Kelton and Don Hobbs providing vital assistance,” Unit Commander Sutton said.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $73 million in Marine Rescue NSW over the next four years, as the volunteer water rescue service had its busiest year on record.
The major funding was announced at Stockton today, where a new $3 million Marine Rescue NSW base was officially opened by Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley.
Built by a family-owned construction company based in NSW, the new Stockton facility is a purpose-built search and rescue coordination centre funded by a $2 million grant from NSW Crown Lands and an investment from Marine Rescue NSW.
The 600 square metre, two level building features a radio room, crew and training areas, administration areas, vessel and equipment storage and can act as a command centre during major incidents.
The Minns Labor Government is also investing significantly in Marine Rescue NSW’s fleet, including three new multi-purpose vessels currently being built in the Hunter.
These vessels will be used to assist other agencies during significant emergencies, such as floods. When the vessels are not used for flood response, they will be part of the Marine Rescue NSW fleet assisting boaters in need.
The additional funding will be invested in new fleet including new rescue vessels for Lake Macquarie, Trial Bay and Brunswick units in the first year. It will also contribute to the refurbishment of nine other rescue vessels.
Last financial year, Marine Rescue NSW conducted a record 4,548 search and rescue missions, returning more than 10,000 people safely to shore, it’s busiest year to date.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are the unsung heroes of our waterways, and they play a vital role in keeping people who enjoy our oceans, lakes and rivers safe.”
“Our beautiful waterways will continue to be busy this summer, so it is important Marine Rescue NSW has the resources and facilities it needs to carry out its important role.”
“This investment is recognition of volunteers’ dedication and an assurance that they will have the resources and support needed to save lives.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“The new Marine Rescue NSW base is a welcomed addition to supporting local and visiting boaters to the Newcastle area.”
“The Hunter Coast is one the busiest boating regions in the state and it is reassuring for the community to know that the team of highly skilled volunteers are ready to respond.”
“Marine Rescue NSW and NSW Police Marine Area Command work closely together to serve the boating community and this building provides a fit-for-purpose base for joint operations.”
“On behalf of the people of the Hunter, and all of our boating visitors, I thank the hardworking Marine Rescue Newcastle volunteers for their dedication and commitment to helping keep our beautiful waterways as safe as possible.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said:
“The NSW Government fully supports our mission of saving lives on the water and this four-year funding agreement ensures that our skilled volunteers from the Tweed to Eden and inland at the Alpine Lakes and Moama can continue assisting boaters in need.
“In the first year this funding will facilitate the construction of new rescue vessels for our Lake Macquarie, Trial Bay and Brunswick units.
“It will also contribute to the refurbishment of nine other rescue vessels and assist with the development of 24/7 communication hubs across the state.”
Marine Rescue Newcastle Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh said:
“The new base provides a major boost to the region’s boating community.
“This new facility has expanded our search and rescue capabilities and has already played a vital role in numerous emergency responses.
Marine Rescue Broken Bay has enhanced its operational capabilities following the completion of crew and training rooms and a dedicated administration area at its Bayview facility.
The internal fit-out of the spaces at the unit base was made possible through a generous grant of $42,551.00 from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia SOLAS Trust.
Image: MRNSW Commissioner Alex Barrell with SOLAS Trust Chair David Kellett AM
SOLAS Trust Chair, Mr David Kellett AM said the grant was awarded to Marine Rescue Broken Bay as part of the Trust’s long-term commitment to support Marine Rescue NSW’s mission of saving lives on the water.
“The life-saving service provided to the boating community by Marine Rescue NSW is vitally important and forms some of the key pillars which led to the establishment of the SOLAS Trust.
“This grant to Marine Rescue Broken Bay is part of a larger $300,000 three-year funding commitment by the SOLAS Trust to bolster the essential community service provided by Marine Rescue NSW.
“We value our relationship with Marine Rescue NSW and thank the Service for its on-water assistance and use of its marine radio network during our sanctioned races on the state’s coast,” Mr Kellett said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell acknowledged the crucial role of the SOLAS Trust in supporting the Service’s dedicated volunteers.
“The generosity of the SOLAS Trust is greatly appreciated and is vitally important to ensuring the safety of boaters and paddlers on the waters of Pittwater.
“In the first 11 months of this year, the Broken Bay unit has safely returned 283 people shore, completing 132 search and rescue missions including seven life-threatening emergencies.
“The newly equipped training and crew rooms will enhance the unit’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies on the water,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Image: Broken Bay Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga gives Mr Kellett and Commissioner Barrell a guided tour
Marine Rescue Broken Bay Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga said the money provided by the SOLAS Trust has also allowed the unit to complete the administration area at the Bayview facility.
“These functional offices are integral to supporting on-water operations and provide a central hub for members to efficiently carry out tasks.
“The completion of the internal fit-out could not have come at a better time ahead of the expected busy holiday season.
“We encourage all boaters and paddlers to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Marine Channel 16 and if you don’t return as planned we will initiate a search.
“It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime, enjoy this summer like your life depends on it,” Unit Commander Arteaga said.
The CYCA Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Safety of Life at Sea Trust was established by the Club and a number of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s then Directors following the tragic loss of six lives in the 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Since its creation, the SOLAS Trust has raised more than $1.6m.
The Trust’s objectives are to assist the immediate needs of families of those lost at sea during Australian Sailing sanctioned races, provide assistance to search and rescue organisations and foster research and training to improve procedures and equipment for use at sea.
Marine Rescue NSW vessels Bermagui 30 and Narooma 30 have returned to base after volunteer crews conducted more than five hours of searching for a boater believed missing on the South Coast after an unmanned boat washed up at Haywards Beach yesterday afternoon.
Image: Bermagui 30 will be back on the water tomorrow for a third straight day
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said both Marine Rescue NSW vessels completed multiple legs of a parallel line search between Camel Rock and Bermagui Harbour before being stood down for the day.
“Both crews completed thorough search patterns pushing further seaward after each leg.
“Our volunteers from the Narooma and Bermagui units have displayed total commitment on the water looking for any signs of a missing person.
“Narooma 30 began returning to base at 1:40pm while the crew on board Bermagui 30 completed another sweep of the southern end of the search area before being untasked for the day,” he said.
Image: NA 30 searches the waters off Haywards Beach
“A volunteer crew will back on board Bermagui 30 tomorrow to resume searching in a revised area,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“Our vessel crews and radio operators from both Marine Rescue Bermagui and Narooma worked seamlessly again today not only with each other but with the entire multi-agency response led by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Bermagui and Narooma this morning resumed the multi-agency search for a boater believed to be missing after an unmanned vessel washed up at Haywards Beach on the South Coast yesterday afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said rescue vessels Narooma 30 and Bermagui 30 were back on the water conducting a parallel line search at 8:30am.
“The area of focus is similar to yesterday, between Bermagui Harbour, on Haywards Beach and up to Camel Rock in behind the breakers,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said a member of NSW Water Police is on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Bermagui 30.
“It (the search) is coordinated by NSW Water Police, they actually have one of their coordinators on board BG 30 to provide direction and provide assistance if anything is located.
“Conditions currently are favorable, it is forecast to blow up (the wind) so we will continue to search for as long as we can until the conditions change or Marine Rescue is stood down by NSW Police,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators from Narooma and Bermagui are providing communications assistance for the search.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW Bermagui and Narooma will resume the multi-agency search for a boater believed missing on the South Coast at 8:30am tomorrow morning (Wednesday 13 December).
Marine Rescue NSW vessels Bermagui 30 and Narooma 30 were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command to search Horseshoe Bay after an unmanned vessel washed up at Haywards Beach this afternoon.
Volunteer crews on board both Marine Rescue NSW vessels conducted multiple parallel line searches from Camel Rock south to Bermagui Harbour from around 3:45pm.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said Narooma 30 was stood down just before 6pm while Bermagui 30 spent a further hour on-water before returning to base at 7pm.
“Visibility and conditions were reasonably good for our volunteer crews who responded swiftly after being requested by Marine Area Command to assist the search.
“Volunteers from the Marine Rescue Narooma and Bermagui units will be back on-water at 8:30am tomorrow morning.
“Narooma 30 and Bermagui 30 will rendezvous off Haywards Beach with the search area to be determined by Marine Area Command in the morning,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Narooma and Bermagui have been tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command to assist with a multi-agency search for a person believed missing off Haywards Beach near Bermagui.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said Marine Rescue NSW crews were deployed after a vessel washed up at Haywards Beach this afternoon.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Narooma 30 and Bermagui 30 began searching around 3:45pm today.
“Both vessels are conducting a parallel line search from Camel Rock down towards Bermagui Harbour.
“Crews on board Narooma 30 and Bermagui 30 began searching behind the breakers and are pushing seaward.
“Visibility is good on the water and our crews will continue searching until instructed otherwise by Marine Area Command,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue Shellharbour’s sole vessel, Shellharbour 30 is rescue ready for the summer season on the Illawarra Coast after undergoing a major refurbishment.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters invested in two new 300 horsepower Suzuki engines for Shellharbour 30 while the unit’s fundraising efforts allowed for a number of other improvements to the vessel.
“They’ve replaced the fenders (foam filled sides), the fender covers, they’ve done all the livery on the vessel, she’s looking really nice,” he said.
Mr Parkin also said that the vessel underwent a full electronic navigation suite upgrade.
“Internally, they have refitted the electronic systems so they’ve got new Axiom internal multi-function display systems,” he said.
Mr Parkin thanked the community for supporting the unit’s fundraising efforts, which enabled the refurbishment works alongside the engine replacements.
“The crew here have done an amazing job, they’ve spent a lot of money which has been fundraised through the community and there has been a lot of work for the team to get to this stage.
“We’ve (Marine Rescue NSW) got another really good asset that’s been refurbished. The hull’s in great condition and the boat’s ready to serve the community. They’ve done a great job in preparing the boat for the upcoming season,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Shellharbour 30 is berthed in a prominent positon at Shellharbour Marina.
“It is a vital reminder to the community that our rescue service is available 24/7 should they need it.
“The strategic positioning of the vessel at Shellharbour Marina provides our volunteer crews with quick access to deploy in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state completed 293 search and rescue missions in November, including 88 emergency responses.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said 69% of missions in November were for mechanical or fuel issues which can quickly become life-threatening if a vessel runs aground or overturns.
“Unfortunately, what we’ve seen during November is that far too many boaters are getting into difficulty for what we class as avoidable incidents, things like running out of fuel and flat batteries and that’s really disappointing from our side of things,” Commissioner Barrell said.
With large numbers expected to hit NSW waterways this holiday season, Commissioner Barrell is pleading with boaters to ensure their vessel and safety equipment is in good working order.
“Marine Rescue New South Wales is urging all boaters before they head out on the water to make sure that they check their equipment, make sure that they’ve got enough fuel for their voyage and importantly, they Log On with their local Marine Rescue base,” he said.
Almost 10% of responses by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers last month were for capsized or grounded vessels while 11 missing persons searches were conducted.
Marine Rescue NSW Radio Operators managed 16,736 calls in November including six MAYDAYs and two PAN PANs.
There were 4,699 Log Ons last month which was up on October with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers keeping watch over more than 17,700 people on board those Logged On vessels.
Commissioner Barrell was pleased to see growth in the number of people Logging On with the Service.
“We’re urging boaters and paddlers alike to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW before they head out on the water.
“We know that it saves vital minutes in the time of need and we know that if you don’t return as planned that we’ll come looking for you,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said boaters and paddlers can Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Marine Channel 16.
“It’s a minute to log on with Marine Rescue, a lifetime to protect and we urge all boaters to boat this summer like your life depends on it,” the Commissioner said.
Marine Rescue NSW Breakdown of search & rescue numbers by Region – November 2023
Locations of highest demand: Port Kembla 15, Shoalhaven 7, Jervis Bay 4, Ulladulla 3
Note: Marine Rescue Port Kembla has now broken the unit record for search and rescue missions in a calendar year with 152 missions including 101 emergencies in just 11 months. During this period, the Port Kembla unit has safely returned 307 people to shore. The previous unit record was 150 in 2021 where 254 people were safely returned to shore.
The new replacement vessel for Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes has passed a sea trial at Yamba on the NSW Northern Rivers ahead of being delivered to Lake Eucumbene.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet, Kelvin Parkin said Alpine Lakes 20 is a first of its kind vessel designed to suit the inland waters and environment that Marine Rescue NSW volunteers face when tasked for missions.
“The Alpine Lakes area has very extreme conditions so we required something special for our volunteers to be able to operate safely through all seasons.
“Winter is obviously very cold at Lake Jindabyne and Lake Eucumbene and through summer, it can also get very hot so they needed space and comfort inside the cabin so they can operate for longer,” he said.
Mr Parkin said the 6.8 metre Gray’s Marine and Welding CNC plated vessel is powered by twin Suzuki 140 horsepower engines.
“The vessel’s capability is really impressive and can do about 35 to 40 knots at top end speed.
“Our regular searching (speed) is about 15 to 20 so at those sorts of speeds she operates really nicely and cuts through the water very well.
“It can get quite rough and choppy on the lakes so the design of the boat, the hull, its capability through those sorts of areas is really quite impressive,” he said.
Image thanks to Gray’s Marine and Welding
Mr Parkin said AL 20’s sea trial was held in messy offshore conditions off Yamba.
“It was a really good test for the vessel and its stability, seeing how it reacted through swell and different seaway conditions and also when we were stopped and manoeuvring what the stability was like,” he said.
AL 20 will undergo further testing in Sydney before being delivered to the Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes unit later next month.
Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman ESM received another accolade overnight, being presented with the Safety Award at the NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards in Sydney.
Mr Blakeman received the award for his innovative and tailored approaches to the safety and well-being of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and the boating community.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated Mr Blakeman for his dedication to safety.
“Bill’s commitment not only to our members at Marine Rescue Merimbula but also boaters on the Sapphire Coast is exemplary.
“His focus on operational and emergency response preparation ensures that our vessel crews and radio operators are rescue ready to serve the community to the highest standards.
“Marine Rescue NSW is extremely proud to have Bill in its ranks and we congratulate him on being recognised for his focus on safety,” Commissioner Barrell said.
From humble beginnings to a multifaceted rescue service, Marine Rescue Port Macquarie celebrated 50 years of saving lives on the region’s waterways during a dinner at the Westport Club last night.
130 dignitaries and guests attended the event, which was rescheduled following COVID interruptions over the past two years.
Formally founded as Sea Rescue Port Macquarie in 1971, the unit became Marine Rescue Port Macquarie in 2010 and now has 234 highly skilled volunteer members.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell acknowledged the work of the initial group that formed Sea Rescue over half a century ago with original member Bruce Robson (pictured above) addressing guests and reminiscing about the beginnings of the rescue service.
“They were the pioneers of maritime safety in the region, starting out in 1971 with a Smiths jet boat and laying the foundation for a vitally important community service,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“The fleet at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie has now grown to five rescue vessels.
“There’s been huge advancements in technology and rescue equipment over the years. We’re very fortunate in Port Macquarie Marine Rescue to have two ocean going rescue vessels, two rescue watercraft and a new multi-purpose vessel that can be used in flood operations,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The Port Macquarie unit is consistently one of the busiest Marine Rescue NSW units on the Mid North Coast.
From 2015 to the end of last month, volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie completed 733 search and rescue missions of which 343 were emergencies, returning 1,529 people safely to shore.
In almost nine years, just under 28,500 boaters have Logged On with Marine Rescue Port Macquarie with volunteers keeping watch over more than 89,000 people on the region’s waterways and managing more than 122,000 radio calls.
“Marine Rescue Port Macquarie is an integral part of our rescue network on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The work that our dedicated volunteers do day in day out is outstanding and it’s been this long contribution for over 50 years now that’s really added value and safety to this community,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Image: Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies with Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell
The 50th anniversary celebration featured key speakers covering the three eras of the Service and highlighted a six-hour rescue operation where three seriously injured people were saved from a sinking vessel off Port Macquarie in April 2019.
Volunteer members involved in the challenging but successful rescue mission were honoured with an International Maritime Rescue Federation Award in London and a Professional Commendation at the 2019 Australian Search and Rescue Awards.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies assumed the leadership role in 2017 and during that time volunteer recruitment has increased by 60% with the boaters of Port Macquarie now supported by 234 dedicated volunteers.
“The unit’s extraordinary. We work so well because we’ve got a great team of volunteers, very committed, dedicated and they spend a lot of time in the organisation. I think the thing is that they all train hard and they work very hard to be the best they can be and they’ve got a great sense of pride within the organisation,” he said.
Unit Commander Davies said last night’s event was not just a celebration of the unit’s existence but the numerous volunteers over the years who have dedicated their time to saving lives on the waters of Port Macquarie.
“Our unit has a great history, it’s over 50 years of service to the community and over the time we’ve done more than 4,000 rescues.
“We’re very embedded in the community, we’re well respected and we work very hard for the community. We’re here to serve the community in every way we can,” he said.
Marine Rescue Moama volunteer Beresford Ralph has been recognised for 10 years service with Marine Rescue NSW.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond and Moama Unit Commander Luke Sharrock presented Mr Ralph with his 10 year service medal during a ceremony at the Marine Rescue Moama base on the Murray River.
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond, Marine Rescue Moama Unit Commander Luke Sharrock and Beresford Ralph during the 10 year service medal presentation.
Zone Commander Hammond said Mr Ralph is a highly respected and experienced member of the Moama Unit.
“He’s a very active member who contributes a lot to the unit and responds to many of our call outs.
“He’s very generous with his time and willing to deploy out of area,” he said.
Zone Commander Hammond said Mr Ralph’s dedication to the Service represents countless hours given to Marine Rescue NSW serving the Murray River community.
“A decade of volunteering takes great commitment and were grateful for Beresford’s service.
“He’s an experienced mariner on inland waterways and brings a lot of skill and experience to the Moama unit.
“He’s a very dedicated person and is always ready to assist,” Zone Commander Hammond said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Kioloa 20 rescued a kayaker from Belowla Island early last night.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Marine Rescue Kioloa received a call for assistance just before 5:30pm (Monday 13 November) after the paddler was separated from their kayak.
“A volunteer crew was assembled immediately and rescue vessel Kioloa 20 was deployed.
“KL 20 located the uninjured paddler on Belowla Island and safely returned them to shore while Marine Rescue Ulladulla Radio Operators assisted throughout the incident providing clear and effective communications.
“Paddlers using NSW waterways are encouraged to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW by using the free Marine Rescue app or calling their local unit,” Inspector Massey said.
A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Shellharbour 30 was tasked last night following reports of a flare sighting off Windang Island on the Illawarra Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a call was received by the Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre from a member of the public at 8:20pm.
“A crew from Shellharbour was assembled swiftly at the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command and Shellharbour 30 was deployed to investigate.
“The report indicated a flare may have been set off approximately 300 metres off Windang Island.
“The crew on board Shellharbour 30 conducted multiple sweeps covering an area half-a-nautical mile north and south of Windang Island and half-a-nautical mile out to sea.
“Following a thorough search no persons or vessels were located and Shellharbour 30 was untasked and returned to base,” he said.
Inspector Massey said if a flare is sighted, people are urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
“It is important that people reporting a possible flare sighting take note of the direction and colour, that information greatly assists search and rescue crews,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state were involved in a record 386 search and rescue missions in October making it the Service’s busiest ever start to a boating season, which runs from 1 October to 25 April.
The previous busiest October for Marine Rescue NSW was in 2020 when crews completed 376 missions.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said just over a quarter of responses last month were for emergency situations.
“During October, our volunteers responded to 101 emergencies including 7 MAYDAY calls, almost a dozen medical emergencies, capsized vessels and search and rescue missions for missing people,” Commissioner Barrell said.
57% of calls for assistance received by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in October were for mechanical or fuel issues.
“We are pleading with boaters to make sure that their vessel is in good working order before heading out, please carry enough fuel with some in reserve and make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket,” Commissioner Barrell said.
818 people were safely returned to shore by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state last month including four adults on a recreational fishing boat, which suffered mechanical failure in difficult seas eight nautical miles (15kms) off Forresters Beach on the Central Coast. In a joint response, volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Terrigal and Cottage Point returned the disabled vessel and persons on board safely to Parsley Bay on the Hawkesbury River.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers managed 16,074 radio calls through local unit bases and the State Communications Centre at Belrose during October and Commissioner Barrell is reminding boaters of the importance of Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Just over 4,000 boaters Logged On with the Service last month predominately by marine radio VHF channel 16 or through the free Marine Rescue app,’’ Commissioner Barrell said.
With the boating season beginning with such high demand for Marine Rescue NSW across the state, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib praised the Service’s 3,365 volunteers and urged boaters to Log On to ensure volunteers could assist.
“Boaters can be assured that the committed volunteers at Marine Rescue NSW have their back in the event they need assistance on the water.
“Their dedication ensures that the state’s waterways remain as safe as possible.
“Boaters who Log On with Marine Rescue NSW are assured that their volunteers will start looking for them if they don’t return as planned,” Minister Dib said.
Commissioner Barrell said Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW saves vital time when crews are called for a rescue.
“We know Logging On can help save lives and we ask all boaters to make it a habit when they head out on the water,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Greater Sydney was the busiest region in the state with 161 search and rescue missions during October while crews on the Hunter Central Coast responded to 126 incidents.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in the Illawarra were involved in 36 missions while there were 27 on the Mid North Coast, 18 in the Northern Rivers and 18 in the Monaro region.
Marine Rescue NSW Breakdown of search & rescue numbers by Region – October 2023
Marine Rescue Terrigal has been endorsed to be re-established as an accredited Marine Rescue NSW unit under NSW State Rescue arrangements.
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter Central Coast Zone Duty Operations Manager, Inspector Steve Raymond said the Terrigal unit amalgamated with the neighbouring Central Coast unit in 2017 and over time it became evident of the need for Terrigal to return to a unit in its own right.
“With Terrigal having favourable access to the ocean we felt it was important for boaters in the region that the unit was reinstated because of its offshore capability.
“The Terrigal base is positioned in a very important location; it has the most southern entry point to the ocean on the Central Coast and provides important offshore coverage between the Norah Head and Broken Bay units.
“With the Central Coast unit positioned on enclosed waterways, the endorsement for the re-establishment of the Terrigal unit provides boaters in the area with reassurance that in the event they need assistance, Marine Rescue NSW has multiple units and assets that can respond.
“The Terrigal unit has 40 locally based volunteer members and a 10-metre Naiad rescue vessel with offshore capability up to 30 nautical miles ensuring swift deployment for rescue missions,” he said.
Inspector Raymond said original Marine Rescue Terrigal members, Unit Commander Shaun Smith, Deputy Unit Commander Darren Wright and Training Officer Adrian Nicholas have been instrumental in working with Marine Rescue NSW to again become an accredited rescue unit.
“Shaun, Darren and Adrian supported the amalgamation with the Central Coast unit but with demand increasing for Terrigal to have its own rescue capability they have spent the past 18 months working to re-establish the unit.
“Their professionalism, dedication and commitment to support neighbouring Marine Rescue NSW units and boaters in the region has been exceptional.
“The base membership at Terrigal has also been very helpful along with the Central Coast unit.
“Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow ESM and members have been extremely supportive of the reformation of the Terrigal unit and without their assistance none of this would have been possible.
“Marine Rescue NSW is grateful for the endorsement given by the Policy Advisory Committee to the State Rescue Board that Marine Rescue Terrigal returns to being an accredited rescue unit,” Inspector Raymond said.
More than 40 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff have taken part in the Service’s first flood rescue and operation induction training at Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby.
The training is part of Marine Rescue NSW’s focus to enhance its on-water flood rescue capability in support of the NSW State Emergency Service when additional resources are requested during a weather emergency and was centred on the Service’s new Multi-Purpose Vessels, and associated equipment funded by the NSW Government following recommendations from last year’s Flood Inquiry.
Marine Rescue NSW General Manager Training and Capability Brad Whittaker said members from the Brunswick, Point Danger, Ballina, Evans Head and Port Macquarie units took part in a variety of activities to ensure they are rescue ready in the event of being called to assist other agencies during a weather emergency.
“The training has taken our members out of their normal operating environment and focused on what they would do in a flood deployment, looking at the vehicles, the trailers, the launching and the special operational equipment they’ll need in those environments.
“It’s about familiarisation with our new vehicles, vessels and other lifesaving appliances.
“Over and above Marine Rescue’s normal operations, it’s about increasing our capability to help in multi-agency events, particularly large scale emergencies in New South Wales,” Mr Whittaker said.
Marine Rescue NSW participants also underwent a swimming and strength test to meet the standard for flood rescue operators in NSW.
Image: Sam Saulwick undergoes the strength test
Marine Rescue Brunswick volunteer Sam Saulwick said the new six-metre Multi-Purpose Vessels will play a vital role in saving lives during flood emergencies.
“100 per cent, they (Marine Rescue NSW) have obviously put a lot of thought into what they are going to be used for and making sure they are purpose built with a lot of thought into the design and construction.
“They (the Multi-Purpose Vessels) are really user friendly,” he said.
Mr Saulwick enjoys the camaraderie within Marine Rescue NSW and said the bond that developed amongst volunteers during the training event will help when crews are assembled and deployed to assist with flood emergencies.
“What it is doing is bringing us all together as a state-wide collective and from that when we come across some of these emergency situations we can all act in the same timely manner and hopefully respond and get out there and make a difference,” he said.
Mr Whittaker thanked Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock for his initiative in coordinating the training event.
The program will enhance Marine Rescue NSW’s flood operations response capability and enable the Service to deploy state-wide when the NSW SES or other agencies require assistance.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Port Kembla 31 have been stood down from the search for a swimmer who did not return to shore at Fairy Meadow Beach on Sunday evening.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the crew on board PK 31 resumed the search at 7:30 this morning (Tuesday 31 October).
“After three hours of searching alongside Water Police, Port Kembla 31 was stood down at 10:30am.
“Marine Rescue NSW and Water Police this morning searched the area from Bellambi Reef to off Hill 60 pushing east.
“The search is currently suspended and we are awaiting further instruction from Marine Area Command.
“A gale warning is in place for the Illawarra Coast today,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Port Kembla 31 and Shellharbour 30 have been stood down for the day after assisting Marine Area Command in the multi-agency search for a missing swimmer off Fairy Meadow.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the crews on board PK 31 and SH 30 spent almost 7 hours searching for the missing swimmer after being deployed just before 8am today.
“Marine Rescue had two rescue vessels out there today from Port Kembla and Shellharbour.
“We covered an area from East Corrimal down to the Five Islands and we covered an area of approximately 21 square nautical miles.
“The conditions out there today were quite choppy, different swells coming in from different directions, making it quite difficult for the crews,” he said.
Inspector Massey said both Marine Rescue NSW crews used sophisticated electronic equipment on the rescue vessels to aid with the search.
“One of the things we use is sonar.
“It does give us a view of the ocean floor and what we’re looking for there are any anomalies,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW vessels and crew from Port Kembla and Shellharbour will again take part in the search tomorrow.
“We’ll work alongside Water Police and we’ll search under their direction in designated areas that they’ve determined,” Inspector Massey said.
Five Marine Rescue NSW members from the Iluka Yamba unit in the state’s north have been presented long-service medals and clasps by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales during a ceremony at Yamba Marina.
Collectively the five volunteers have contributed a combined 90 years of service with Marine Rescue NSW.
Her Excellency presented Jean Dengate and Elaine Pike with 30-year Marine Rescue NSW second long service clasps while Linda Baker, Frank Bond and Matthew McLennan received 10-year Marine Rescue NSW long service medals.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated the five dedicated volunteers at the unit.
“The work that Marine Rescue New South Wales does right along the state’s coastline is done by our wonderful volunteers.
“It’s great to be at Iluka Yamba to celebrate and recognise 90 years of combined service and to thank all our members right across New South Wales for the lifesaving work that they do on the waterways of New South Wales,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Former Wooli Unit Commander Matthew McLennan recently moved to the Iluka Yamba unit after joining the Service in February 2013 and said volunteering is vital especially in regional communities.
“Having been on the water a lot myself, I know the risks involved and having some well-trained people available to help out is useful.
“It takes a lot out of your time, your work commitments and your family commitments but I believe that at the end of the day someone needs to step up to the plate and do these jobs.
“Helping people out who are in trouble gives you a good sense of satisfaction,” McLennan said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and members of the unit also displayed the Service’s on-water capability to Her Excellency during a demonstration on board Marine Rescue vessel Iluka Yamba 30.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have be on-water this morning assisting NSW Police Marine Area Command with a search for a missing person at Port Macquarie.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said four assets from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie were tasked to assist with the search.
“Rescue vessels Port Macquarie 21 and Port Macquarie 30 along with two Rescue Water Craft (jet skis) were deployed around 8.30am.
“They spent almost two hours on water but have been stood down because of unfavorable conditions with seas between 2 and 3 metres offshore.
“The RWCs covered an area from Port Macquarie Bar south to Nobbys Beach.
“Rescue boats PM 21 and PM 30 conducted a parallel line search from the Bar to the Tacking Point Lighthouse.
“They completed multiple legs before returning to base.
“Marine Rescue NSW Radio Operators and Watch Officers assisted with communications from the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Search and Rescue Coordination Centre,” Inspector Page said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Port Stephens 30 have joined NSW Police Marine Area Command in the search for a missing helicopter on the Hunter Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a crew from Marine Rescue Port Stephens was deployed to assist with the search at 8am this morning.
“Volunteers on board PS 30 completed a thorough search on Port Stephens Bay before joining Water Police offshore.
“The Marine Rescue NSW boat is now conducting a parallel line search with a Water Police vessel from Port Stephens Heads north to Bennetts Beach,” Inspector Raymond said.
More than 30 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from five units across the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast will be in Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby this weekend for flood rescue and operation induction training led by Marine Rescue NSW staff.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said the activities will be held on and around the Brunswick River this Saturday and Sunday following the delivery of Marine Rescue NSW’s first three Multi-Purpose Vessels that were funded by the State Government as part of recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry.
“This induction training focuses on building Marine Rescue NSW’s on-water flood rescue capability in support of the NSW State Emergency Service when additional resources may be required during a weather emergency,” he said.
“Members from the Brunswick, Point Danger, Ballina, Evans Head and Port Macquarie units will be inducted in to the use of Marine Rescue NSW’s new flood rescue resources including six metre Multi-Purpose Vessels, IRB, support vehicles and equipment,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
“This program will enhance Marine Rescue NSW’s flood operations response capability and enable us to deploy state-wide when the NSW SES or other agencies require assistance.
“If you see large numbers of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and assets around Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby this weekend, don’t worry, they’re taking part in important training.
“The community can be assured that in the event of a real emergency on our waterways, our rescue craft and crews are ready to respond,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
Marine Rescue Narooma volunteer Gillian Kearney has been named the South Coast Adult winner in the 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Ms Kearney was presented with the award at the South Coast Regional ceremony in Merimbula today.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond said Ms Kearney has been volunteering with the Narooma unit for more than six years where she has held a variety of positions and is a rated Radio Operator and Watch Officer.
“Gilly makes a huge contribution to our Marine Rescue unit at Narooma and to our organisation more broadly helping out with protocol.
“She has been a volunteer not only for our organisation but for other volunteer organisations and has served for a long time.
“We’re very proud to have her in our unit,” Southern Zone Commander Hammond said.
Image: (LtoR) Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman, Marine Rescue Merimbula Deputy Unit Commander Sonia Teston, Gillian Kearney Marine Rescue Narooma and Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond
Marine Rescue Eden member Nancy Weatherman (Senior Volunteer of the Year) and the Marine Rescue Merimbula unit (Volunteer Team of the Year) were also recognised today as nominees in their respective categories.
Southern Zone Commander Hammond congratulated Ms Weatherman and the Merimbula unit for their efforts and highlighted the importance of celebrating volunteering.
“It was a wonderful day recognising volunteers not only from Marine Rescue NSW but many organisations that are active in our communities and the wonderful people that are serving in all kinds of ways,” he said.
Ms Kearney will now attend 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Gala Ceremony in Sydney on 7 December.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington has welcomed a new $667,000 Marine Rescue NSW vessel, which provides a significant boost for the Port Stephens community.
Ms Washington was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott to officially commission Port Stephens 30 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
The new vessel, funded by the NSW Government and community donations, was today also named the Shirley Clark in honour of the 92-year-old Port Stephens unit member.
Ms Washington said it was an honour to commission the Shirley Clark and recognise the decades of dedication by one of Marine Rescue NSW’s longest serving volunteers.
“Shirley has a long history of helping keep boaters safe in the region alongside her late husband Kevin.
“She has given so much to the community and it is wonderful that this new vessel will bear her name while it carries out its vital life-saving work on the region’s waterways.
“On behalf of the people of Port Stephens, and all of our boating visitors, I thank Shirley and all of the dedicated, hardworking Port Stephens Marine Rescue volunteers,” Ms Washington said.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count.
“This rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Port Stephens and the Hunter Coast’s active local boating community and its many visiting boaters,” she said.
Ms Washington also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either using the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.
“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” she said.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said the new rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“Boaters at Port Stephens can take comfort knowing this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble,” he said.
“With twin 300 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment, the 10 metre Naiad rescue boat is equipped to perform a variety of operational tasks.”
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board including radar, sonar and FLIR night vision has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water.
“As well as operating on the Karauh River and Port Stephens Bay, this boat can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.
“In the first nine months of this year the Port Stephens unit has been incredibly busy assisting boaters, completing 228 rescue missions, 101 of which were emergencies,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart thanked the local community for its generous support of the unit’s fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
He said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former 8.5 metre rescue boat.
“With improved handling and manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort, our crews are able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.”
“The vessel’s name, the Shirley Clark, is a fitting tribute to much respected life-member Shirley Clark. Shirley has been a volunteer with the Port Stephens unit for more than 40 years and remains a popular and highly respected member of the Port Stephens community,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie have returned two boaters to safety after their 12-metre yacht broke its boom in extreme conditions around five nautical miles northeast of Port Macquarie overnight.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie received a radio call for assistance from the skipper of the disabled vessel just after 8pm on Monday.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies said rescue vessel Port Macquarie 30 was deployed for the mission.
“The disabled vessel initially lost its boom and steering capability and later its motor, radio and mobile communications.
“The conditions were harrowing on the water.
“The wind was gusting at 57 knots (105 km/h) and there was a four to five metre swell,” Unit Commander Davies said.
Despite the extreme conditions, Port Macquarie 30 skipper Len Smart, Leading Crew Rob Britten and crew members David Withers, Bruce Lee, Michael Ranson-Smith and Warren Gowing successfully reached the disabled vessel and secured a towline.
“Waves were breaking over both vessels and there were visibility issues but the Marine Rescue crew worked really hard and did a brilliant job in very challenging conditions,” Mr Davies said.
Unit Commander Davies said Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Radio Operator Brooke Mason played an integral role in the rescue mission.
“With the disabled vessel losing both its radio and mobile communications, Brooke stayed calm and in control to provide important support to the rescue crew,” he said.
Port Macquarie 21 was deployed with skipper Ray Angel and Mr Davies on board to monitor the bar as PM 30 returned with the disabled yacht in tow.
“Because the bar conditions were challenging and the towline was under stress we wanted to make sure that assistance was on hand in case the bar crossing didn’t go to plan.
“Thankfully it did,” he said.
Unit Commander Davies said the two boaters and their disabled vessel were safely returned to the public mooring on the Hastings River just after 1.30am this morning.
“It was slow going coming back to Port Macquarie.
“I am extremely proud of the crew, they handled the conditions very well,” Mr Davies said.
Volunteers from Port Macquarie Marine Rescue followed up on the welfare of the boaters this morning.
Two men and a child have been rescued from a life-threatening situation during a fishing trip on board a 4.8 metre Swift Craft at Jervis Bay.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay received a call from the skipper of the disabled vessel around 11.30 Sunday morning after his boat suffered mechanical failure and was drifting near Bowen Island.
Marine Rescue vessels Jervis Bay 20 and Jervis Bay 41 were on-water undertaking a training exercise when Marine Rescue NSW Radio Operators took the call for help.
Jervis Bay 20 was deployed with Unit Commander Kevin Hill and Senior Crew member John Dawson on board to assist but the precise location of the distressed vessel was unknown because it was drifting and unable to drop anchor after losing it earlier on the voyage.
“The coordinates were relayed together with the mobile phone number for the skipper of the disabled vessel and we immediately headed towards the western side of Bowen Island,” Unit Commander Hill said.
“John plotted their last known position on the multi-function display which was the seaward side of Bowen Island at Jervis Bay.
“I immediately contacted the skipper by phone to confirm their current position and he confirmed they were on the seaward side of Bowen Island,” Unit Commander Hill said.
With no anchor and drifting towards rocks, the skipper of the disabled vessel estimated, they would be aground within ten minutes.
“It was a race against time and we proceeded as fast as we safely could,” Mr Hill said.
“The swell was substantial and as we arrived on the eastern side of Bowen Island we couldn’t locate the vessel and feared the worst.
“As John and I scanned the coastline for a possible wrecked boat we spotted the disabled vessel off Governor Head, metres from the breaking surf.
“We had seconds to respond,” Mr Hill said.
The crew on board Jervis Bay 20 reached the disabled vessel and performed a fly-by towline throw, which was attached by the crew on the disabled vessel.
“We only moved the vessel a few metres away from the rocks before the tow rope detached from it,” Mr Hill said.
With large uneven swell, Unit Commander Hill turned JB 20 back towards the disabled vessel to prepare for a second pass to throw the towline.
“They were extremely close to the crashing seas with the real possibility of being smashed against the rocks.
“I looked out of the rescue vessel and we had submerged rocks right beside us, the conditions were extremely challenging.
“John threw the tope rope which was successfully received by the crew on board the disabled vessel.
“We had to wait briefly after a three metre wave hit the rescue vessel, then we powered on and began pulling the disabled vessel seaward into deeper water and away from danger,” Mr Hill said.
JB 20 was towing the disabled vessel back to Murrays Beach Boat Ramp when on approach its engine started.
Image: (L-R) Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Senior Crew John Dawson and Jervis Bay Unit Commander Kevin Hill
Unit Commander Hill was relieved to see the two men and child on board the disabled vessel return to land.
“This was without doubt the most challenging rescue mission I have ever been involved in during my decade with the unit.
“It literally came down to seconds and this incident could have ended with serious injuries or even fatalities.
“I cannot commend Senior Crew John Dawson highly enough for his actions, he was so calm during what was an incredibly tense and dangerous situation for the persons on board the disabled vessel.
“Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Radio Operators Martin Mikosch and Julie Carter also played a vital role during the rescue, they were brilliant with their communications,” Mr Hill said.
Senior Crew John Dawson said it was it was “touch and go” at times during the rescue.
“After the second towline was hooked up, a big wave came through and caught the disabled vessel.
“It ended up being held by our towline, with the front half of the boat totally out of the water and the vessel at a very steep angle.
“This could have been catastrophic for the disabled vessel without the towline in place.
“A few second’s difference in our response time could have led to a total disaster,” Mr Dawson said.
Unit Commander Hill said the incident was one of those unpredictable situations that can happen on the water.
“The skipper of the disabled vessel did absolutely nothing wrong.
“He had the correct safety equipment, regularly maintains his vessel and knew how to connect with Marine Rescue NSW for assistance.
“The seas and machines are unpredictable and no matter how prepared you are for your voyage sometimes things don’t go to plan.
“We are relieved that this rescue mission had a positive outcome and that the persons on board could return to their families,” Mr Hill said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey praised all volunteers involved in the rescue mission.
“It’s moments like these when the hard work and training comes to the forefront and results in a positive outcome.
“The dedication and commitment shown by our volunteers in this rescue is true to our mission of saving lives on the water and they must be applauded for their efforts,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state have experienced their busiest September on record, completing 361 rescue missions and returning 782 people to shore last month.
The previous busiest September for the Service was in 2022 with 230 rescue missions.
Of last month’s 361 rescue missions, 103 were emergencies.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the spike in rescue missions came after fewer calls for assistance from boaters in August.
“On the back of a recent run of good weather we’ve seen a large number of boaters on the state’s waterways and last month Marine Rescue NSW volunteers responded to their largest amount of rescues since April.
“On the back of a record year of rescues and assisting boaters in NSW, Marine Rescue has completed its busiest first quarter ever with rescues up 25% on same period last year,” he said.
Five MAYDAY calls were received last month with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers managing 19,807 radio calls through local unit bases and the State Communications Centre at Belrose.
6,039 boaters Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW in September predominately by marine radio VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue app.
Boaters who Log On with Marine Rescue NSW are assured that the Service will start looking for them if they do not return form their voyage as planned.
With the boating season beginning on 1 October, Commissioner Barrell said Marine Rescue NSW is expecting to receive many calls for assistance over the coming months.
“Marine Rescue NSW knows that simple mechanical issues on the water can develop into life-threatening situations and we ask people using the state’s waterways to enjoy this summer like your life depends on it.
“Our message to boaters is that it is really important to check the weather, check their vessel, their battery, their safety equipment and make sure that they have enough fuel and some in reserve before they head out on the water,” Commissioner Barrell said.
47% of incidents in September were caused by engine problems while 7% of rescue responses were for grounded vessels.
“Engine, battery and fuel issues continue to be a catalyst for rescues but our volunteers also responded to an increased number of groundings in September, boaters need to be aware of the tides, the environment and the conditions to avoid grounding their vessel and potentially ending up in an emergency situation,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Greater Sydney was the busiest region in the state with 136 rescue missions while volunteers on the Hunter Central Coast responded to 111 incidents.
Rescues in the Illawarra almost doubled from August to September with crews from the region undertaking 37 rescues while 30 rescues were completed in the Northern Rivers, 29 on the Mid North Coast and 18 in the Monaro region.
Marine Rescue NSW Breakdown of Rescue numbers by region including locations of highest demand – September 2023
NORTHERN RIVERS: 30 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Point Danger 9
Ballina 8
Evans Head 4
MID NORTH COAST: 29 total rescues across all 9 units in the region
Forster/Tuncurry 9
Port Macquarie 7
Coffs Harbour 6
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST: 111 total rescues across all 8 units in the region
Lake Macquarie 58
Central Coast 21
Port Stephens 18
GREATER SYDNEY: 136 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Botany Port Hacking 44
Sydney (State Communications Centre) 31
Port Jackson 19
ILLAWARRA: 37 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Port Kembla 16
Jervis Bay 11
Shoalhaven 6
MONARO: 18 total rescues across all 8 units in the region
Marine Rescue NSW has taken delivery of three new custom designed multi-purpose vessels, which can be deployed quickly across NSW in the event of an emergency.
The vessels form part of Marine Rescue NSW’s response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry with the Service receiving $3.748 million State Government funding to build capability and capacity to support NSW SES and other agencies during significant emergencies.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said when the vessels are not tasked for flood response; they will be part of the Marine Rescue NSW fleet assisting boaters in need.
“The important thing about these vessels is that they can be used year-round.
“While they were funded off the back of the Flood Inquiry, the vessels will be used to help boaters on NSW waterways when they are not deployed for floods.
“These vessels have a shallow draft hull, which makes them easy to manoeuvre in challenging situations and to access a range of waterways.
“Whether these new vessels are used for a flood emergency or boating incident, the people of NSW should be confident that the fleet of rescue vessels in NSW is growing and that the committed volunteers at Marine Rescue NSW have their back as the weather warms up and boating season begins in earnest,” Minister Dib said.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said the first three vessels built by Yamba Welding and Engineering have been designed for ease of use.
“They carry twin 90 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and will be a valuable asset in supporting flood rescue and recovery efforts and boaters on NSW waterways,” he said.
“They are capable of reaching a top speed of 35 knots and handle smoothly on the water, giving our volunteers a stable platform to perform rescues,” Mr Parkin said.
“The vessels feature a bow door allowing them to beach land and transfer people and supplies during an emergency.
“The MPVs carry a Raymarine multi-function display for chart and navigation work,” Mr Parkin said.
Significant work has gone into both the development of the MPVs and the location of the vessels.
The first three MPVs, named Marine Rescue 20, Marine Rescue 21 and Marine Rescue 22 have been allocated to Marine Rescue NSW units in the state’s north.
MR 20 will be based at Evans Head, MR 21 will be located on the Tweed at the Point Danger Unit while MR 22 will call Port Macquarie home.
“Being state-wide assets these vessels will be deployed when called upon to assist other agencies and Marine Rescue NSW units,” Mr Parkin said.
Five more MPVs will be delivered over the coming months along with eight new inflatable rescue boats while three heavy tow support vehicles and Personal Protective Equipment will complete the program.
Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman has been named a finalist in the Safety category for the 2023 Community Achievement Awards NSW and ACT.
The Synaco Safety Award recognises those committed to safety in their workplace and throughout the community.
Marine Rescue Merimbula Deputy Unit Commander Sonia Teston said Mr Blakeman is a worthy finalist after being awarded the NSW Maritime Medal in August for his outstanding contribution as a Training Officer, developing crew to conduct rescues and respond to incidents.
“Bill’s dedication to safety and training at Marine Rescue Merimbula has directly benefited the entire boating community, our members, and the broader public.
“Through his tireless commitment to professional development, operational training, and emergency response preparedness, Bill ensures that we are equipped with the skills needed to carry out safe and effective rescue missions.
“Bill’s leadership has a profound positive impact on all those he works with fostering a safer maritime environment for everyone, we congratulate and wish him all the best for the awards ceremony,” Deputy Unit Commander Teston said.
The Community Achievement Award winners will be announced at a gala event in Sydney on 25 November 2023.
The much loved and vitally important Ballina Jet Boat is back saving lives on the water after transitioning to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott has welcomed the versatile rescue vessel to the Service’s fleet with the boat named Ballina 21.
“Ballina Jet Boat commenced in 1971 and has been providing 52 years of service to the Ballina community.
“It would have been a tragedy for the service to have stopped for the Ballina community so it’s great to see it continuing with Marine Rescue NSW,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Schott said Marine Rescue NSW recently accepted an opportunity to transition the vessel and members of Ballina Jet Boat to Marine Rescue Ballina.
“Those members have come over and joined and the assets of Ballina Jet Boat have also come to Marine Rescue NSW and will be operated out of Marine Rescue Ballina.
“I’m hoping in the future they’ll be trained in other areas of Marine Rescue Ballina working on the other two vessels and having the opportunity to train in the vital radio safety network as radio operators for Marine Rescue Ballina,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Schott said the Ballina Bar is a high-risk waterway and the Jet Boat is an important asset for the Service’s mission of saving lives on the water.
“The Jet Boat is a highly manoeuvrable boat and is excellent for working in waterways such as the Ballina Bar to perform rescues.
“It has performed a significant amount of rescues in that area over the past 52 years.
“It’s a high speed vessel and obviously can get in and out of a situation very quickly and assist boaters who may have ended up in the water,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Ken Delany said volunteers at the unit have welcomed the vessel with open arms.
“Very excited, it gives us a white water asset, a third asset to our fleet.
“It has a minimum draw so we can get up very shallow waters and it’s also given us another half a dozen members, fully trained, it’s a great asset to Ballina,” he said.
Unit Commander Delany said Ballina 21 is an incredibly important live-saving asset for the community.
“Ballina will embrace it very well because it gives (the area) another rescue asset,” Mr Delany said.
Image: Marine Rescue Ballina UC Ken Delany and Dave Carter
New Marine Rescue Ballina member and former Ballina Jet Boat volunteer Dave Carter said he was relieved when he learned that the vessel would continue to serve the region with Marine Rescue NSW.
“It’s been an important local community service.
“Coming in under Marine Rescue gives us the systems and structures that we require moving forward.
“After 52 years of service, it really gives the opportunity to reset and restart and continue to serve the Ballina community,” Mr Carter said.
After spending a number of years volunteering for the previous operator, Mr Carter said the move to Marine Rescue NSW has been seamless.
“We’ve been really happy and really impressed with the transition across to Marine Rescue.
“The engagement across the board from Marine Rescue has been tremendous.
“The support of the local Ballina unit has been more than we ever could have hoped for.
“At times it’s been tough as we’ve worked through to get all our (Marine Rescue NSW) qualifications but the support and the local crews involved have been mentoring us and have made it a lot easier,” he said.
Mr Carter spent almost five years as part of the Ballina Jet Boat crew until it ceased operating early last year.
“I didn’t really understand how important it was to the community until a couple of years ago but then we were just overwhelmed with support across the board.
“It’s a service that was started by locals to make their lives safer on the water.
“Over the years, it’s been involved in numerous rescues and incidents where locals and visitors to our region alike have been saved.
“Being a small coastal community, if something does happen on the water, everyone feels it so it’s important to have that service there.
“We’ve been generously supported by our local community over this time and it’s good to be able to repay that faith in us with our service for Marine Rescue,” he said.
Mr Carter said the Jet Boat could handle a variety of conditions.
“This vessel was custom built for the conditions here on the Ballina Bar and has performed numerous rescues over the years without a problem.
“Being able to negotiate the bar day or night and rescue multiple people has been where the Jet Boat has really proven its worth.
“The Jet Boat is crewed by local community members who all volunteer with their time and their expertise to make the waters of Ballina Shire a safer place,” Mr Carter said.
Deputy Commissioner Schott also thanked Ballina Shire Council for their ongoing support of the vessel and the local Marine Rescue unit.
“Marine Rescue NSW is grateful for the support and assistance provided by Council and we look forward to growing our partnership with Council and making the waters of Ballina Shire as safe as possible,” Mr Schott said.
Mayor of Ballina Shire Council, Cr. Sharon Cadwallader is delighted to have the Jet Boat back in the water.
“This is such a valuable asset for the Ballina Shire community.
“Council would also like to thank the brave community members that volunteer their time day and night to provide this important rescue service,” she said.
More than 100 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff from units across the Monaro and Illawarra regions will take part in a major regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) at Batemans Bay this weekend (September 16-17).
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond said the annual exercise will be coordinated by Marine Area Command and involve other agencies including Surf Life Saving NSW.
“We do this to practice our search and rescue skills and to make sure that we’re using the best possible techniques and learning from real incidents we’ve experienced over the course of the year,” he said.
Zone Commander Hammond said the Batemans Bay SAREX is a crucial training exercise to ensure Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are rescue ready with the on-water component to be held on Saturday morning when a search and rescue scenario is presented by Marine Area Command.
“The scenarios are realistic partly because they are based on real events and rescues that we have performed.
“Sometimes they are modified with different lessons from different incidents combined.
“A lot of time is taken to make sure that they are as realistic as possible so that we really test our capability and provide the opportunity for learning and growth,” he said.
The Southern Zone Commander said the intention at Batemans Bay this weekend is to hold the on-water component offshore.
“It’s important that we exercise in the types of conditions we’re likely to experience in a real search, so unless it’s really, really bad weather, we’d be out offshore,” he said.
Saturday’s Search and Rescue exercise will involve almost 70 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, nine Marine Rescue NSW vessels and two Rescue Water Craft.
The Batemans Bay, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula and Tuross Moruya units will all contribute vessels. Two Rescue Water Craft from Tuross Moruya will also be involved.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Illawarra region’s Ulladulla and Kioloa units will also take part in the SAREX with Ulladulla 30 and Kioloa 20 joining the fleet along with a Water Police vessel and IRB’s and jet skis from Surf Life Saving NSW.
A desktop Search and Rescue exercise will also be held involving 26 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
Southern Zone Commander Hammond said thorough planning has been done to make this weekend’s event a reality.
“They’re (Search and Rescue exercises) really worthwhile in testing our ability to coordinate lots of resources, lots of people, different agencies and to deal with scenarios that evolve over time.
“It’s not just a simple scenario where we go out and deal with one thing, it usually evolves over the course of the exercise to bring in different variables and that really tests out our capabilities,” he said.
After three consecutive months of record rescues, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have responded their lowest number of incidents this year, completing 223 rescue missions across the state in August.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the reduction in rescue responses during August is testament to boaters doing the right thing on the state’s waterways.
“The best result would be to have zero rescues but from the August statistics it is clear that boaters across NSW have been planning their voyage, checking the weather, ensuring their vessel is maintained and that they are carrying the appropriate safety equipment.
“It’s wonderful to see that our safe boating messages are being received and acted on.
“With the boating season commencing at the start of October we hope this behaviour continues.
“Marine Rescue NSW is expecting a bumper season on the back of record numbers of boaters enjoying our beautiful state’s waterways,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers safely returned 449 people to shore from the 223 rescue missions in August.
10 MAYDAY calls were received last month including a call to the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre after a sea kayaker hit rocks at the mouth of Malabar Cove off Long Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers managed 19,412 radio calls in August while 5,955 boaters Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW.
Greater Sydney was the busiest region in the state with 75 rescue missions while volunteers on the Hunter Central Coast responded to 70 incidents.
The Mid North Coast was the only region to see an increase in rescues from July, up from 22 to 34 last month while 22 rescues were completed in the Illawarra, 15 in the Northern Rivers and seven in the Monaro region.
Marine Rescue NSW Breakdown of Rescue numbers by region including locations of highest demand- August 2023
NORTHERN RIVERS: 15 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Iluka Yamba 4
Point Danger 4
Ballina 3
MID NORTH COAST: 34 total rescues across all 9 units in the region
Port Macquarie 10
Forster/Tuncurry 8
Crowdy Harrington 5
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST: 70 total rescues across all 8 units in the region
Lake Macquarie 38
Port Stephens 12
Central Coast 11
GREATER SYDNEY: 75 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Sydney (State Communications Centre) 26
Botany Port Hacking 19
Port Jackson 8
ILLAWARRA: 22 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Port Kembla 8
Sussex Inlet 4
Shoalhaven 4
MONARO: 7 total rescues across all 8 units in the region
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Alpine Lakes unit are assisting NSW Police with a search for two people who failed to return from a voyage on Lake Eucumbene overnight.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a crew was activated in the early hours of this morning.
“Volunteers on board Alpine Lakes 21 joined the NSW Police search around 2.45am.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crew has been conducting a concentrated search on the water and will continue to do so under the instruction of NSW Police,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Volunteers on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Trial Bay 30 have returned to base after assisting NSW National Parks and Wildlife with a successful whale disentanglement operation on the Mid North Coast this afternoon.
The entangled whale was heading south and located just north of Scotts Head.
Marine Rescue Trial Bay Unit Commander Ian Turner who was part of the crew on board TB 30 alongside Joe McLachlan and Master Jon Cragg said it was an impressive multi-agency operation.
“The whale was entangled in nylon ropes, maker buoys and plastic drums,” Mr Turner said.
“Conditions were ideal and everyone involved did a wonderful job to free the whale.
“The National Parks and Wildlife crew are a highly skilled group of people.
“Our Marine Rescue NSW radio operators Phil Hartley and Rick Turvey were also vital in providing radio communications during the operation.
Less than two weeks after Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Crowdy Harrington assisted the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service with a successful whale disentanglement near Camden Head, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Trial Bay are this afternoon assisting the NPWS whale disentanglement team.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said an operation is underway to free an entangled whale off Nambucca Heads.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have been deployed on board Trial Bay 30 to assist.
“The crew on board Trial Bay 30 is providing support for the operation with the vessel acting as the mothership.
“The Marine Rescue NSW vessel has NPWS personnel and equipment on board,” he said.
Inspector Page said ORRCA is also assisting with the operation.
