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.
A new rescue vessel is on its way to Huskisson with Marine Rescue Jervis Bay set to take delivery of the unit’s first ever Rescue Water Craft (RWC) which will be used to assist boaters and people on the waters of Jervis Bay.
The new RWC is expected to arrive at the Huskisson base within weeks and the unit is in desperate need of volunteers to operate the new craft.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Deputy Unit Commander Steve Hutchison said with the unit making 88 rescues during the 22/23 boating season (Oct 1, 2022 to April 25, 2023) there is demand for the additional rescue vessel.
“Last summer we had some incidents where it was crystal clear that we need a craft that could get into shallower water than we are normally involved in and perhaps get there a bit quicker,” he said.
A $20,000 grant from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust has funded the new RWC while Bluescope WIN Community Partners provided $2,700 assist with the cost of a GPS for the craft.
“We are very grateful for their generosity and supporting our mission of saving lives on water,” Mr Hutchison said.
Above: Jervis Bay Deputy Unit Commander Steve Hutchison
The Jervis Bay unit is hoping to add a second RWC to its fleet in the near future but Deputy Unit Commander Hutchison said recruiting and training volunteers to operate the new vessel is currently the main focus.
“Now we’ve got to train our members and recruit people that want to come and join us to get on a Rescue Water Craft.
“We provide all the training so if people are interested in Rescue Water Craft in the Jervis Bay area we are the place to come,” he said.
Mr Hutchison said there is a significant difference between boat crew and RWC operators.
“You’re going to be operating in all kinds of seas and conditions.
“What we will need to be doing is training really hard getting ready for the next boating season which we expect to be an absolute belter and making sure that we can keep the people of Jervis Bay safe,” Mr Hutchison said.
The Jervis Bay Deputy Unit Commander is encouraging interested people to join Marine Rescue NSW as soon as possible.
“We’re gearing up for commencement of operations at the beginning of the boating season, that’s only six weeks away.
“The training is quite intense, it’s quite difficult by design because you are operating in difficult circumstances but don’t let that persuade you not to come, we can give you the skills that you need to have,” he said.
Glenn Wright from Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet took six months to earn his qualification and has now been operating a Rescue Water Craft for 18 months.
Mr Wright said the training involved to earn the rating was a challenging and rewarding experience.
“You do a lot of the training initially in still water learning the rescue skills and how to manoeuvre the vessel.
“Then you move into a surf zone and practice those skills in the surf.
“As you know, surf can vary from half-a-meter up to three or four metres and you have to be able to apply those skills in those rough conditions as well as calm conditions,” Mr Wright said.
The Jervis Bay unit isn’t the only Illawarra unit looking for new recruits.
Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski is on a mission to recruit new radio operators to the service.
“We’ve got a priority to try and bolster our team of volunteer radio operators who are critical to the safety of boaters out on the water in the area surrounding Ulladulla,” he said.
Above: Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski
Mr Samulski said Marine Rescue radio operators are the connection point between the water and shore.
“They’re (radio operators) the first point of contact with people on vessels that are in harm’s way and they initiate the response to get our boat crews in and any wider response that’s required,” the Ulladulla Unit Commander said.
Mr Samulski said volunteers are provided with full training and on average become qualified in approximately six months.
“People can start from zero knowledge and we will get them right through to be competent operators,” he said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Ulladulla have attended to 20 emergency incidents in 2023 and have kept watch over almost 1,200 boaters who have Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW in the area.
Almost 50 people have attended the second annual Marine Rescue NSW Empowering Women’s Forum on the South Coast over the weekend.
The conference was held at the Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort in South Durras and offered a selection of guest speakers including former CEO of Sydney’s Mater Hospital and Nonprofit Governance and Management Centre founder Maureen Cleary OAM.
Co-organised by Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Deputy Unit Commander Lynne Hocking and Sussex Inlet Unit Commander Karen Lowry, Ms Hocking said the forum’s theme was ‘Leading by empowerment not commanding’.
“We had women attend ranging from 90-and-a-half-years old to their early 30s.
“In just 12 months, awareness of the conference has grown and this year we attracted attendees from Marine Rescue NSW units as far south as Narooma, along the South Coast from the Shoalhaven and Illawarra, inland to Moama and north to the Central Coast.
“I would encourage women of all ages to experience the Marine Rescue culture.
“The training is awesome; the experiences you get are second to none but most importantly you are doing something significant for your community.
“Our people play a vital role in keeping people safe at sea,” Ms Hocking said.
Narooma Watch Officer and Radio Operator Gilly Kearney also assisted with delivering the forum and said the two-day event was a major success.
“One of the best things about it is seeing all the different women across our organisation come together with all their experiences and be so willing to share and empower each other,” she said.
Jervis Bay member, Kristy Jones recently began her seventh year volunteering for Marine Rescue NSW and said the forum was an inspiring experience.
“It’s been wonderful that women can come together under this forum and have the platform to speak their voice, to collaborate our ideas and empower each other to be part of an organisation that’s out there supporting the community,” Ms Jones said.
Planning will begin immediately for next year’s Marine Rescue NSW Empowering Women’s Forum with a venue and date to be set.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Hammond are major supporters of the Empowering Women’s Forum and both took part in the event over the weekend.
Four Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Evans Head unit have received National Emergency Medals for their service during the 2019/20 bushfire emergency.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan presented the medals to Deputy Unit Commander Jim Roberts, Kira Hartland, Kerrie Exley and Ken Exley at the Marine Rescue Evans Head base.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Northern Zone Commander John Murray also attended the ceremony and congratulated the members for their service.
“This group of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are extremely dedicated to community and I thank them for their commitment to service.
“Not only in assisting boaters on the Northern Rivers but for going above and beyond during the bushfire emergency,” Acting Northern Zone Commander Murray said.
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Crowdy Harrington 30 played the role of mothership during an operation to free an entangled whale off Perpendicular Point near Camden Head on the Mid North Coast yesterday (Sunday 13 August).
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Northern Zone Commander John Murray said a volunteer crew on board CB 30 was deployed to assist the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Whale Disentanglement team just after 8am Sunday.
“CB 30 carried NPWS personnel, gear and provided on-water assistance for the operation.
“The humpback whale was successfully freed just before 11am.
“Marine Rescue NSW crews train with NPWS across the state for these situations and this result is a wonderful outcome,” Acting Northern Zone Commander Murray said.
A volunteer crew on board Marine rescue vessel Botany Port Hacking 30 resumed the multi-agency search for a missing rock fisherman off the Royal National Park at 9am today (Monday 14 August).
Botany Port Hacking 30 skipper Brad Whittaker said conditions are poor on the Illawarra Coast.
“There is one-and-a-half metres of south swell and 15 knots of southerly wind which is expected to increase across the day.
“It’s a lumpy swell and it’s raining,” he said.
Mr Whittaker said the Marine Rescue NSW crew is conducting a parallel line search with Surf Lifesaving NSW support skis.
“We are searching from Wattamolla Beach down to Garie Beach,” he said.
Long-serving Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer Phillip Causley has taken out the Marine Rescue NSW agency award at the 2023 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards at Bankstown Sports Club.
Mr Causley was presented the award last night (Saturday 12 August) and supported by fellow Marine Rescue NSW finalists, Jervis Bay Grants Officer Leona Curran, Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock and Merimbula’s Stewart Dietrich.
Mr Causley has more than a decade of experience with Marine Rescue NSW after joining the Ballina unit in 2011.
He has progressed through the ranks from crew to Coxswain and has also held the role of Deputy Unit Commander.
Mr Causley also assisted with last year’s flood emergency response in the Northern Rivers and NSW Central West.
He said he was surprised to receive the Marine Rescue NSW agency award.
“I saw that all four of us (Marine Rescue NSW finalists) had our own credits and it was a surprise.
“I’d like to thank of all of my fellow unit members.
“It’s always a team effort for everything we do and also my family and friends that I’m disappearing from all the time.
“It’s very overwhelming (winning the award) but I’m very happy about it,” Mr Causley said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said Mr Causley was a deserving winner.
“I’m so proud of our four finalists and really proud of Phillip Causley as Marine Rescue NSW member of the year.
“It has been a really great night to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partner agencies and celebrate the wonderful work of our emergency services throughout New South Wales,” Commissioner Barrell said.
A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Botany Port Hacking 30 is this morning assisting Marine Area Command with a search for a missing rock fisher who was reportedly swept off rocks at Garie Beach in the Royal National Park late yesterday.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said Botany Port Hacking 30 was deployed at 9am this morning following a request from Marine Area Command.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crew is conducting a parallel line search off the coast with Water Police.
“They are searching from Jibbon Head, south to Burning Palms,” Inspector Raymond said.
A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue vessel Crowdy Harrington 30 has retrieved a boat believed to be the one missing since two men were thrown overboard and injured after the vessel ran over them and then took off unmanned in the surf zone at Queens Head, north of Port Macquarie on Tuesday August 1, 2023.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said Crowdy Harrington 30 retrieved the vessel after it was located by a fisherman four nautical miles east of Manning Point on the Mid North Coast around 8.15 this morning.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Port Macquarie, Forster/Tuncurry and Crowdy Harrington have been keeping an eye out for the missing vessel after numerous sightings by boaters off the coast.
“Forster Tuncurry 30 has done extensive searching for the boat and this morning a fisherman came across the overturned runabout offshore and called Marine Rescue NSW,” he said.
“The fisherman tied a line to the distressed vessel and stayed with it until the crew on board Crowdy Harrington 30 arrived,” Inspector Page said.
“CB 30 then towed the vessel back to Crowdy Bay Harbour.
“The vessel had sustained extensive damage.
“Retrieving this vessel is a great outcome, it not only removes a navigational hazard but the owner will have it returned.
“Vessels usually left to drift are never seen again,” Inspector Page said.
NSW Police are expected to return the vessel to its owner.
Two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the state’s Northern Rivers and two from the South Coast are in the running for the Marine Rescue NSW award at the 2023 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards to be held at the Bankstown Sports Club this Saturday night, 12 August.
Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock, long-serving Ballina volunteer Phillip Causley, Jervis Bay Grants Officer Leona Curran and experienced Merimbula seaman Stewart Dietrich are the service’s four finalists vying for the 2023 Marine Rescue NSW agency award.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Mal Jeffs and Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond have given high praise to the four finalists and wished them well ahead of tomorrow night’s awards ceremony.
Above: Mr Wilcock on duty at Brunswick
Mr Jeffs said the finalists from his zone, Jonathan Wilcock, Brunswick and Phillip Causley, Ballina are both respected members of Marine Rescue NSW.
“Jonathan makes a highly valued contribution as the Unit Commander at Brunswick.
“He coordinates all aspects of the unit and its 60 members and the service they provide to the boating community,” he said.
Above: Mr Wilcock with MRNSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin
Northern Zone Commander Jeffs said Mr Wilcock was hugely involved in the community response to the flooding emergency in the Brunswick, Mullumbimby and surrounding areas last year.
“Following that he continues working with the local emergency services trying to improve those services to the community.
“He organises joint training with those agencies to try and really make a difference,” he said.
Above: Phillip Causley assisting during last year’s flood emergency in the Central West
Northern Zone Commander Jeffs said Phillip Causley is an extremely experienced member at Marine Rescue Ballina after joining the unit in 2011.
“He’s progressed through the ranks from crew to Coxswain, he’s also held the role of Deputy Unit Commander.
“Whether on the water or helping out at a fundraising event cooking at the BBQ hotplate he is always willing to help.
“He not only assists boaters around Ballina but also volunteered his time last year to help with the flood emergency response, not only in the Northern Rivers but in the state’s Central West as well.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond said Southern Zone members, Stewart Dietrich, Merimbula and Leona Curran, Jervis Bay are very worthy finalists.
“Stewart’s highly experienced with Marine Rescue, he’s been with us for nearly 10 years and before joining Marine Rescue he served with the Royal Australian Navy so he has got a great back ground and lots of experience and knowledge that has served him well in our unit,” he said.
Above: Stewart Dietrich providing training at Marine Rescue Eden
Southern Zone Commander Hammond said Mr Dietrich has completed comprehensive training with Marine Rescue and enjoys sharing his knowledge with other members.
“He is a Master on the vessels and a Watch Officer working in the radio room.
“He plays a great role in training other members at the Merimbula unit but also at other neighbouring units, in fact he’s been in Eden this week leading some crew training.
“Stewart’s done great things at the Merimbula unit for Marine Rescue and we are really glad to have him,” he said.
Above: Leona Curran was named the Marine Rescue NSW winner at the Shoalhaven Emergency Services Community Awards in June
Southern Zone Commander Hammond said Leona Curran is also a highly valued member of the Jervis Bay unit.
“She has a real gift for grant applications and works very hard at them.
“Through her diligence and hard work we have been able to secure grants for really important things for maintaining and increasing our capability around the Jervis Bay area.
“Things like new motors for vessels, vehicles for doing unit logistics and towing and launching vessels.
“Leona’s made a massive contribution and we really appreciate everything she has done for us,” Southern Zone Commander Hammond said.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib will present the awards at tomorrow night’s RESCA ceremony.
Two children fishing with two adults have been rescued from a vessel which was taking on water approximately six nautical miles (11kms) off Scarborough on Saturday morning.
The adult skipper of the distressed vessel called Marine Rescue NSW around 8am (August 5, 2023) after the 6 metre open runabout began taking on a large amount of water on return from a fishing trip off Stanwell Park.
The skipper who had Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW at the beginning of the voyage told the radio operator at Marine Rescue Port Kembla that they were unable to keep up with bailing water out of the vessel.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey tasked a crew on board Port Kembla 31 to attend the at risk vessel in case the situation deteriorated.
“Port Kembla 31 reached the distressed vessel quickly and they relocated the two children to the rescue vessel while two adults remained on board the at risk boat.
“Port Kembla 31 shadowed the distressed vessel back to the harbour in case the water ingress situation escalated,” Inspector Massey said.
“The children were safely taken on board PK 31 and reunited with the adults from the distressed vessel at Bellambi Harbour.
“We advise boaters to contact Marine Rescue NSW immediately via VHF channel 16 or mobile phone if their vessel starts taking on water,” he said.
Inspector Massey said the skipper of the vessel involved did everything correctly but things can happen unexpectedly in the offshore environment.
“This morning’s incident off the Illawarra Coast had a great outcome but situations like these can turn quickly into life-threatening emergencies,” Inspector Massey said.
The skipper of the distressed vessel, Lloyd was very happy to be back on land.
“All safe and secured by Marine Rescue Port Kembla, they all got us back on land so a big thumbs up to you guys,” he said.
Two long-serving Marine Rescue NSW members from the state’s South Coast have been awarded the NSW Maritime Medal during a ceremony at the Sydney International Boat Show in Darling Harbour.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen presented the medal to Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Unit Commander Kevin Hill and Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman.
Mr Hill was awarded the NSW Maritime Medal for Safety.
In his decade with Marine Rescue NSW, Mr Hill has gone above and beyond as a rescue vessel skipper and worked tirelessly to train, educate and encourage boaters to be safe on the waters of Jervis Bay.
“I went to the boat show today to have a look around, I knew I was in the running for the medal but never thought I would be awarded it,” Mr Hill said.
“I was surprised to receive the medal and am humbled by it,” he said.
Mr Hill said since becoming a volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW in December 2013, two incidents earlier this year standout in his mind.
“In February we saved a father and his daughter who got into trouble while standup paddle boarding inside Jervis Bay off Iluka Beach near Green Patch.
“We rescued them in record time but it was the next day when I was manning the raffle stand at a shopping centre that the family walked in and the mother was overcome with emotion.
“To see the gratitude on the faces of that family was amazing.
“Within a week though, we went from the best possible outcome to the worst when in an almost identical situation and location with a different family, a young mother didn’t survive,” Mr Hill said.
Merimbula’s Bill Blakeman earned the medal for his service to Community for his outstanding contribution as a Training Officer, spending countless hours training and developing crew to conduct rescues and respond to incidents.
“I enjoy training new members and get great joy out of seeing their progress and development, it’s very satisfying.
“I work with a wonderful group of people at the Merimbula Unit and I am grateful to receive this recognition,” he said.
Mr Blakeman has volunteered for Marine Rescue since November 2008 and is a life member of the Merimbula Unit.
Mr Blakeman said after a lifetime in the marine industry, which began as a deck boy on a Port Line vessel at the age of 16, volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW is his chance to give something back to the community.
“My focus today is about saving lives on the water,” Mr Blakeman said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott and Marine Rescue NSW Board member Bob Wilson also attended today’s NSW Maritime Medal presentation.
Winter hasn’t kept boaters off the state’s waterways with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers making a record 265 rescues in July, up 46% on the same month last year.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteers across the state were tasked to a variety of incidents in July, 114 of which were emergency situations.
“From assisting the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command in searches for missing people to medical evacuations, late night rescues well offshore and assisting boaters with mechanical failure, our highly skilled volunteers have answered the call at any time of day or night.
“Whilst many people think boating is just for the warmer months, the record number of rescues that we’ve seen in July goes to show that boating is a year-round activity and we ask all boaters to make sure they check their vessel regularly and ensure they have the right safety equipment and an appropriate amount of reserve fuel on board.
“It only takes seconds for a flat battery in the offshore environment to turn into a life-threatening situation,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The dedication and commitment of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state saw 632 people, adults and children returned safely to shore last month.
The number of boaters Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW in July using the free Marine Rescue app or by marine radio VHF channel 16 more than doubled from 3,084 in July 2022 to 7,442 last month.
Commissioner Barrell said with more boaters hitting NSW waterways he would like to see all skippers Logging On and Logging Off with Marine Rescue NSW to keep safe on the water.
“When a boater Logs On, it ensures that we start searching for them if they don’t return as planned, it is a simple process and one that could save a life,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 22,475 radio calls in July with a large volume of the traffic handled by the State Communications Centre at Belrose.
Greater Sydney was the busiest region last month, with 87 rescue missions while units on the Hunter/Central Coast were involved in 79 rescues and the Illawarra 33.
25 rescues were conducted on the Northern Rivers, 22 on the Mid North Coast and 19 in the Monaro region.
Marine Rescue NSW Breakdown of Rescue numbers by Region – July 2023
NORTHERN RIVERS: 25 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Point Danger 8
Evans Head 5
Ballina 4
MID NORTH COAST: 22 total rescues across all 9 units in the region
Trial Bay 5
Port Macquarie 5
Forster/Tuncurry 5
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST: 79 total rescues across all 8 units in the region
Lake Macquarie 37
Port Stephens 18
Central Coast 8
GREATER SYDNEY: 87 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Botany Port Hacking 27
Sydney (State Communications Centre) 26
Port Jackson 11
Hawkesbury 8
ILLAWARRA: 33 total rescues across all 7 units in the region
Port Kembla 19 (*Third busiest month in 2 years and 7 months – 24 rescues were recorded in Jan 2021 and Jan 2023)
Jervis Bay 5
Shellharbour 3
MONARO: 19 total rescues across all 8 units in the region
55 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from all eight Hunter/Central Coast units and one member from Greater Sydney’s Cottage Point unit along with officers from Marine Area Command, members from Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service have taken part in a major regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) at Lake Macquarie today.
The SAREX scenario coordinated by Marine Area Command was held to test rescuers capability, multi-agency teamwork and communication in responding to a simulated emergency situation in offshore conditions.
Chief Inspector Anthony Brazzill from Marine Area Command said today’s training scenario involved a capsized port pilot vessel off Newcastle near the pilot boarding grounds.
“It was unknown whether there were persons still on board.
“We deployed a police vessel which located the vessel and called in divers.
“There was information that there was four persons on that vessel that were last seen in lifejackets floating away, so we organised a search for those missing people,” Chief Inspector Brazzill said.
The emergency response scenario involved seven Marine Rescue NSW vessels from Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast, Terrigal, Norah Head, Lemon Tree Passage, Port Stephens and Newcastle, four Marine Rescue NSW rescue water craft (RWC) along with IRB and RWC assets from Surf Life Saving NSW, Water Police 24 and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Chief Inspector Brazzill said the emergency responders were confronted with a large offshore search area from Swansea Heads to Merewether to locate the four missing targets in the simulation.
“The search area was about 70 square nautical miles plus we were also looking at the shoreline around the beaches and the foreshore,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast Zone Duty Operations Manager Steve Raymond said members of the multi-agency response used their skills and experience to locate the targets swiftly.
“The exercise went very well, the volunteers found the targets and performed extremely well.
“These exercises are very important to practice what we need to do in an emergency.
“It gives us a chance to go back and look at what we have done and to make sure that we’re doing things properly so that it is not costing lives if we make mistakes, it’s a good chance to hone our skills and to prepare further for other incidents.
“The scenario set by the Marine Area Command was created to replicate a real-life situation,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Raymond said while the on-water exercise was taking place, almost 50 other Marine Rescue NSW Radio Operators and staff participated in a Search and Rescue Desktop Exercise.
Minister for Police Yasmin Catley observed the exercise from the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Search and Rescue Coordination Centre at Swansea Heads and highlighted the importance of the multi-agency training exercise.
“Today is about the bringing together of all of our emergency first responders and ensuring that they have the training to implement and to ensure that they can execute their operational requirements when it comes to significant surf and rescue missions.
“It’s about making sure that there’s a collaboration of the different agencies and them knowing what they have to do and when they have to do it.
“What is also critical is understanding their chains of command because that ensures that we have successful operations.
“It is also ensuring that things are done in a timely fashion with the highest level of skill and ensuring that our emergency agencies can cooperate collaboratively together and work together for results to keep our community safe,” Ms Catley said.
More than 120 Marine Rescue NSW members and representatives from partner agencies will take part in a Search and Rescue forum tomorrow.
Marine Rescue NSW will hold its final major regional SAREX for the year at Batemans Bay in September.
Senior crew at Marine Rescue Woolgoolga have taken part in a sea trial and induction on the unit’s new replacement vessel Woolgoolga 30 at Yamba on the NSW Northern Rivers.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Training Manager Mitch Harvey said the new vessel has been an exciting three-year project.
“What’s come to fruition is a boat that that’s exceeded our expectations at every turn.
“The manoeuvrability, the comfort, the ease of use, it just far exceeds any other vessel that we’ve had (at Woolgoolga).
“This is my third vessel at Woolgoolga since I joined (Marine Rescue NSW) in 2011 and this is by far the best that we’ve had,” Mr Harvey said.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said the 9.5 metre Naiad Hamilton Jet boat is powered by a 575 horsepower Cummins engine and features FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) night vision and replaces the unit’s former Ellis Jet rescue vessel.
“This boat performs really well.
“It’s going to add more capability to Marine Rescue NSW in the region.
“It’s a special boat and I’m looking forward to seeing it on the water,” Mr Parkin said.
The new vessel will carry the name of Tamieka Lee, the late daughter of Woolgoolga’s Deputy Unit Commander Shirley Teague.
Ms Teague said the new vessel is a much welcomed upgrade to the previous rescue boat which was in service for a decade.
“This one is so much lighter and easier to handle,” she said.
After completing the sea trial, newly appointed Woolgoolga Unit Commander Brian Taylor said the vessel’s manoeuvrability far exceeds the unit’s previous vessel.
“It really has impressed us as being a vessel that’s going to handle well at sea and we look forward to taking her back to our base at Woolgoolga,” the Unit Commander said.
Crew members from the Woolgoolga unit will undergo further training over the coming weeks before the vessel goes into active service on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Bega MP Dr Michael Holland today welcomed a new $375,000 Marine Rescue NSW vessel which provides a significant boost for the Batemans Bay community.
The new vessel, funded by the State Government and community donations, was today officially commissioned Batemans Bay 21.
Mr Dib 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,” Mr Dib said.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Batemans Bay and the Batemans Coast’s active local boating community and its many visiting boaters.”
Mr Dib 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 Dib said.
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said the new rescue vessel is a much welcomed asset for the community.
“Boaters at Batemans Bay can rest easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble,” Dr Holland said.
“Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Batemans Bay have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessel and are ready to respond to boaters in need.”
Powered by twin 115 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and with a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment, the vessel is a 6.3 metre walk-through centre console Naiad.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex 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 on Batemans Bay, the Clyde River and surrounds, this vessel can also quickly deploy up to seven nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”
“In the first six months of this year the Batemans Bay unit has been incredibly busy assisting boaters, completing 75 rescue missions, 46 of which were emergencies,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Batemans Bay Unit Commander Rod Ingamells 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 6.2 metre 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,” he said.
“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 conditions,” Mr Ingamells said.
Minister Dib also presented National Emergency Medals to Marine Rescue Batemans Bay members Rod Ingamells, Amanda Thompson, Peter Poole, John Dolgan, David Murn, Peter Bladwell and Michael Syrek and Narooma’s Ian Noormets for their operational services during the 2019/20 bushfire emergency.
More than 100 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from all eight units on the Hunter/Central Coast will take part in a major regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) hosted by the Lake Macquarie unit around Swansea Heads this weekend (July 29-30).
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast Zone Duty Operations Manager, Inspector Steve Raymond said the annual exercise will be coordinated by Marine Area Command and involve other agencies including the Westpac rescue helicopter.
“These exercises are held to put all our training into practice so that we’re coordinated together and that we can work easily together next time we meet for a real job,” he said.
Inspector Raymond said the Lake Macquarie SAREX is a crucial training exercise to ensure Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are rescue ready with the on water component to begin on Saturday morning when a search and rescue scenario is delivered by Marine Area Command.
“We’re looking at (holding the exercise) offshore depending on conditions on the day.
“About a third of Lake Macquarie’s jobs are offshore and it’s an environment where Water Police and other agencies also need to practice as well.
“The majority of the event will be offshore,” he said.
“On the Saturday we’ve got a vessel exercise which will involve the Central Coast, Terrigal, Tuggerah Lakes, Norah Head, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Lemon Tree Passage and Port Stephens units,” Inspector Raymond said.
“There’s quite a few involved in that, probably 50 or more volunteers.
“We also have a desktop exercise running as well and we have over 50 volunteers involved in that,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Botany Port Hacking 30 are assisting Marine Area Command in a search for a missing swimmer who was reportedly last seen going into the North Cronulla rock pool early yesterday evening.
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said a crew was assembled this morning following a request for assistance from Marine Area Command.
“The Botany Port Hacking unit responded swiftly and rescue vessel BH 30 was on the water at 8:00am.
“The crew is currently patrolling Bate Bay.
“Conditions are good for this morning’s search with slight seas and a moderate breeze,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
Volunteers on board Marine Rescue NSW vessels Middle Harbour 30 and Port Jackson 31 have spent this morning (Saturday 22 July 2023) assisting Marine Area Command in the search for a missing boater off The Gap.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said conditions were favourable for the resumption of the search.
“MH 30 and PJ 31 resumed the search at 7.30am in light winds and benign swell allowing for good visibility.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews conducted offshore parallel line searching from South Head to Coogee,” he said.
Inspector Murray said both vessels were now patrolling the shoreline in the harbour.
“MH 30 is focussing on the northern side and PJ 31 the southern side.
“The Marine Rescue NSW vessels are working their way west towards the Harbour Bridge.
“Both vessels are expected to conduct another offshore patrol at the request of the Marine Area Command later this afternoon,” Inspector Murray said.
Three Marine Rescue NSW vessels from Greater Sydney have joined a multi-agency search for a missing boater off The Gap at Watsons Bay after a vessel collided with rocks yesterday.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said volunteers on board Middle Harbour 30 and Port Jackson 31 were tasked by Marine Area Command to assist with the search at 8am this morning.
“MH 30 and PJ 31 are working alongside Water Police vessel Vigilant.
“They are conducting a parallel line search from The Gap south to Wedding Cake Island off Coogee.
“Sea conditions around search area are fair, there is a bit of a swell but visibility is fairly good for the Marine Rescue NSW search crews,” Inspector Raymond said.
A volunteer crew from Botany Port Hacking has also joined the search.
“BH 32 hit the water at 9am and is searching from Cape Solander to the northern end of Maroubra Beach,” Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie were tasked by Marine Area Command just after 6pm last night (Wednesday July 19) to assist with a multi-agency search for a fisherman who was swept off rocks near Tacking Point.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said crews were deployed on board Port Macquarie 30 and Port Macquarie 21.
“Marine Rescue volunteers conducted a search in deteriorating sea conditions between Miners Beach and Tacking Point.
“The crew on board Port Macquarie 21 located the man’s body off Miners Beach,” he said.
“PM 30 joined PM 21 at the scene to assist with the retrieval and returned the man’s body to the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie base,” Inspector Page said.
“Marine Rescue volunteers are thoroughly trained in search and rescue techniques and sea conditions were challenging last night.
“This is a tragic outcome and devastating for the family.
“Our thoughts are with them and all the people involved in the search,” he said.
Inspector Page confirmed the rock fisherman was not wearing a lifejacket.
“Lifejackets help save lives and we ask that all people wear a lifejacket when rock fishing,” he said.
Inspector Page said the Marine Rescue volunteers involved underwent a full debrief last night and have been offered counselling.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Trial Bay responded to a medical evacuation overnight after receiving a call from a trawler northeast of Arakoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said the skipper of the vessel called for assistance just after 10pm with a young male on board suffering a medical episode.
“A crew from Trial Bay was assembled quickly and rescue vessel Trial Bay 30 was deployed.
“Marine Area Command and NSW Ambulance were notified immediately,” he said.
Inspector Page spoke with the skipper on board about basic first aid and CPR techniques in the event the patient’s condition worsened before the rescue vessel arrived.
“Trial Bay 30 reached the vessel and extracted the patient before transporting him to shore for assessment by paramedics at the Marine Rescue AirBerth on the Macleay River at South West Rocks.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crew of Unit Commander Ian Turner, Jon Cragg and Ron Young did an exceptional job at night to ensure a swift medical evacuation while the entire multi-agency response was seamless in getting the patient to land for treatment,” he said.
Trial Bay Unit Commander Ian Turner said it was very dark on the water with the waxing crescent moon phase.
“We used our FLIR (forward looking infrared) camera and radar for collision avoidance to ensure we met the vessel safely.
“Thankfully sea conditions were fair.
“We used a stern line to attach TB 30 to the trawler and extracted the patient within 15 seconds before assessing him in the cabin,” Mr Turner said.
Inspector Page said medical evacuations are rare but Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are fully trained in first aid and advanced resuscitation.
“I’ve only been involved in a few over the past five years but our volunteers are prepared for these instances and last night their hard work and training paid off,” Inspector Page said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Kembla have successfully collected a deceased juvenile humpback whale from a Wollongong City lifeguard on a jet ski after a carcass was located off Flagstaff Point earlier today.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a volunteer crew on board Port Kembla 31 met the Wollongong City lifeguard in Port Kembla Harbour.
“The Wollongong City Council lifeguard towed the carcass to PK 31 which was waiting in harbour.
“The deceased humpback was transferred to the Marine Rescue vessel which completed the tow to the Port Kembla boat ramp.
“The carcass was delivered to shore and taken into the care of Wollongong City Council staff.
“This retrieval was another seamless inter-agency operation,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from the Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking unit have rescued two sailors on board a disabled sailing boat which was drifting out to sea off Little Bay on Saturday.
Botany Port Hacking 30 skipper Brad Whittaker said a MAYDAY call was initially received from the distressed vessel.
“As further information was received from the persons on the vessel the incident was downgraded to a Pan-Pan which means the persons on board require assistance but were not in imminent danger.
“The sailing boat had lost steering capability and with the wind and current was moving further east,” Mr Whittaker said.
BH 30 was first on scene to rescue the two people who were drifting three nautical miles (5.5 km) offshore.
“Marine Rescue vessel BH 30 reached the disabled vessel and checked the welfare of the persons on board and initiated a tow,” Mr Whittaker said.
“Our volunteer crew secured a tow line to the sailing boat and towed it back into Botany Bay where we were met by Marine Rescue vessel Botany Port Hacking 32 who had just completed 12 nautical mile tow of a vessel which needed assistance offshore from Botany Bay.
“The disabled sailing boat and persons were transferred to BH 32 who completed the tow to a Water Police emergency mooring and returned the people safely to shore,” Mr Whittaker said.
“Both Botany Port Hacking crews and Marine Rescue NSW radio operators from the Solander and State Communications Centre at Belrose worked seamlessly together to ensure a swift and safe rescue.
“We encourage all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either via VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue app,” he said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Trial Bay will benefit from new computers at the Horseshoe Bay Radio Base after receiving a ClubsGRANT.
South West Rocks Country Club CEO David Cunningham presented Marine Rescue Trial Bay Unit Commander Ian Turner and Deputy Unit Commander Loraine Rider with a cheque for $5,848 to upgrade computers at the base.
Mr Turner said he was grateful for the support given by the South West Rocks Country Club.
“We are extremely appreciative; the Country Club is a wonderful supporter of the community.
“Replacing the computers at the radio base is the final step in our internal upgrade of the facility,” Mr Turner said.
Mrs Rider said the new computers will assist the Trial Bay unit’s 50 dedicated volunteers in their mission of saving lives on the water.
“The computers will be used for a variety of actions including tracking vessels, training and administration.
Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters not to go out on the water in a number of regions tomorrow with a Gale Warning forecast for the Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra and Batemans Coasts.
West to northwesterly winds are expected to increase across tomorrow (Saturday July 8).
Winds are forecast to reach up to 74 km/h (40 knots) on the Illawarra and Batemans Coasts while 35 km/h (35 knot) winds are expected for the Hunter and Sydney Coasts.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the forecast conditions won’t be favourable for boating.
“When a Gale Warning is in place the best advice is to stay home.
“The forecast winds will make boating dangerous, it simply isn’t worth the risk.
“When a Gale Warning is issued, winds are averaging between 34 knots and 47 knots which is between 63 and 87 kilometres an hour, they are potentially very dangerous for boaters.
A Strong Wind Warning is also forecast for Sydney Enclosed Waters and the Macquarie and Eden Coasts tomorrow.
“We ask all boaters to check and monitor weather conditions every time they go out,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state have completed a record financial year of rescue missions surpassing the previous mark set in 2020/21.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the service’s 3300 volunteers were involved in 4,548 rescue missions between 1 July 2022 and June 30 this year compared to 4,251 in 2020/21.
“Rescues for the past 12 months are up around 7.5% on our previous busiest record set in the year 2020/2021.
“Our volunteers safely returned over 10,000 boaters to shore during the 22/23 financial year.
“Their commitment to keeping boaters safe on New South Wales waterways and in some cases during extremely challenging conditions has been exemplary,” the Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner said.
Emergency responses for the financial year were up by 12% compared to 20/21.
Fishing was the main activity at the time of incidents over the last 12 months while mechanical failure, flat batteries and running out of fuel were most common reasons for assistance.
“Boaters need to remember that mechanical and fuel issues can lead to dangerous situations becoming life-threatening, it is vital that boaters check and service their vessels often,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 250,123 radio calls over the financial year with a large portion handled by the State Communications Centre at Belrose.
“Marine Rescue radio operators have managed a large volume of traffic over the last 12 months.
“This is a testament to their skill and professionalism, keeping boaters safe on the water,” the Commissioner said.
Commissioner Barrell also confirmed that Marine Rescue NSW experienced its busiest June on record with 315 rescues, a third of which were emergency situations.
The Hunter/Central Coast’s Lake Macquarie unit was the busiest in NSW with 41 rescue missions last month while the Botany Port Hacking unit was involved in 26 making it the busiest of the Greater Sydney units.
Port Kembla was the busiest of the Illawarra units with 11 rescue missions, the Ballina unit had the most demand on the Northern Rivers with 10, Batemans Bay led the eight Monaro units with 10 while the Port Macquarie unit had nine rescue missions on the Mid North Coast.
Three busiest units in each region 22/23 financial year rescue missions
NORTHERN RIVERS
Point Danger 158, Ballina and Iluka Yamba 66 each, Brunswick 30
MID NORTH COAST
Port Macquarie 94, Forster Tuncurry 87, Coffs Harbour 75
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST
Lake Macquarie 647, Port Stephens 283, Central Coast 254
GREATER SYDNEY
Botany Port Hacking 359, Port Jackson 246, Middle Harbour 194
Volunteers on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Port Kembla 31 have worked closely with NSW Police Marine Area Command to return two fishermen and their disabled boat safely to shore overnight.
The fishermen radioed Marine Rescue Port Kembla just after 3pm yesterday after the steering broke on their 6.5 metre boat while fishing 35 nautical miles (65 kilometres) off Wollongong.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the disabled vessel was a long way off the coast.
“After assessing the location of the disabled vessel we contacted Marine Area Command who advised they had a vessel in the vicinity of the fishermen.
“Water Police Nemesis collected the fishermen and towed the disabled vessel back to approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Wollongong where they were met by Port Kembla 31 who completed the tow by taking the vessel to Wollongong Harbour,” he said.
Inspector Massey said the disabled vessel was safely returned to harbour at 11.30pm.
“Rescue crews were fortunate that conditions were benign allowing the response to run smoothly and safely.
“The distance involved and disappearing light made the initial part of the rescue challenging.
“This operation highlights the valuable working relationship that Marine Rescue NSW has with Marine Area Command and the ability for both agencies to work together to ensure a safe and positive outcome for boaters in distress,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Brunswick will receive a new supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist with their mission of saving lives on the water.
Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock was presented with a National Australia Bank Foundation grant of $8,500 at Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters in Cronulla today.
NAB Senior Private Client Manager David Novakovic said the Brunswick unit was a deserving recipient of the Community Grant.
“It is fantastic to see the NAB Foundation continuing to support local communities and particularly organisations like Marine Rescue NSW that give so much back to their local community members,” Mr Novakovic said.
The Brunswick Unit Commander said the money will be spent on important PPE for volunteers at the unit.
“Marine Rescue Brunswick is using the funding from the National Australia Bank Foundation for wetsuits, protective footwear and other clothing to keep our members safe.
“PPE is extremely important for our members in keeping them protected from the elements and conditions they are working in,” Mr Wilcock said.
Mr Novakovic said the NAB Foundation was pleased to contribute to the vital life-saving service provided by the 62 volunteers at Marine Rescue Brunswick.
“The Brunswick unit is going to use this money to purchase Personal Protective Equipment to help keep their members safe and that is the most important thing at the end of the day,” Mr Novakovic said.
Unit Commander Wilcock said he was grateful for the NAB Foundation’s generosity.
“We are so thankful to the NAB Foundation for providing us with funds to protect our members in saving lives on the water,” Mr Wilcock said.
Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to be vigilant on the state’s waterways this winter.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said it is vitally important that boaters know the risks associated with cold water boating.
“Don’t be fooled, water can be dangerously cold on sunny days, conditions can change quickly leaving boaters with less time if things go wrong,” he said.
The drop in water temperatures during winter increases the risk of hypothermia which develops when the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius.
“The bottom line is, cold shock and hypothermia can take hold fast and in some instances be life-threatening,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
Whilst water temperatures vary across the state and are typically cooler in the Alpine Lakes, Murray River and South Coast, all boaters should be aware of the dangers during winter when water temperatures drop.
The Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner said preparation is crucial before going boating particularly in cold weather.
“Check your vessel, have it serviced and regularly maintained because fluids can thicken when the vessel is used in cold conditions.
“It is vitally important to check your safety equipment whenever you go boating.
“Lifejackets are an important item.
“In cold weather, dress warm and carry extra clothing in case you get wet,” he said.
“Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW via VHF Channel 16 or by the Marine Rescue app.
“If you do not return as planned, our volunteers will initiate a search,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Shoalhaven unit have rescued a 70-year-old man after his vessel began taking on water as he attempted to help a friend whose Motor Cruiser broke a mooring on the Shoalhaven River and ran aground on Pig Island last night.
The man’s tinny became disabled in atrocious conditions.
A volunteer crew on board Shoalhaven 20 responded to a call for assistance and rescued the man.
He was taken by SA 20 to Nowra Public Wharf where he was met by NSW Ambulance paramedics for assessment.
The Shoalhaven 20 crew then recovered the yacht before returning to base just after 9pm.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the Shoalhaven crew did an exceptional job in challenging conditions.
“It was extremely windy and cold but our volunteers used their skill and night training to rescue the man and deliver him to shore while the Shoalhaven unit’s Radio Operator coordinated the rescue operation with precision.
“The teamwork shown by the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven members involved in this challenging mission was excellent,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens new 10 metre Naiad replacement vessel has undergone a successful sea trial at Yamba.
Port Stephens 30 was constructed at Yamba Welding and Engineering and has been put through its paces on water by Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin.
“The boat has been performing very well and we’ve made a few improvements as we do for every single build.
“There are little things that we can improve on as far as ergonomics, drive, comfort for the crew and functionality of the vessel,” Mr Parkin said.
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast Zone Commander Steve Raymond and two crew members from the Port Stephens unit also took part in the sea trial.
The new vessel features an under chine anchor system for improved crew safety and has a greater range for search and rescue missions.
“Port Stephens 30 is going to increase the capability of Marine Rescue Port Stephens giving them a bigger area that they can respond to.
“It is a lot safer and a lot quicker,” Zone Commander Raymond said.
The rescue vessel has a full Raymarine navigation suite and is powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower outboard engines capable of reaching a top speed of around 43 knots.
Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain and Port Stephens unit member Robert Johnson was impressed by the capability of the new vessel.
“We are looking forward to welcoming this boat into Port Stephens.
“It’s going to make a big difference and help us save lives,” Mr Johnson said.
The replacement Port Stephens 30 vessel has been partially funded by the NSW Government and will be transported to the Port Stephens base later this month where senior crew will undergo induction and training.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Newcastle 30 and Lake Macquarie 30 continue to assist NSW Water Police in the search for a boater who was reported missing from Bolton Point on Wednesday.
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast Zone Commander Steve Raymond said Newcastle 30 resumed the multi-agency search at 8am this morning before being joined offshore by a crew on board Lake Macquarie 30 at 9am.
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels have been tracking up and down the coast from Redhead in the north pushing south to The Entrance.
“Each time they do a track they move further east travelling between 10 to 15 knots.
“Crew changes took place around 1pm with both Marine Rescue NSW boats back out searching,” Zone Commander Raymond said.
Video from on board LM 30 this morning
Meantime, volunteers on board Port Stephens 30 are currently returning to base following a separate rescue mission after retrieving a disabled vessel with three persons on board, 30 nautical miles (55kms) off Port Stephens.
The six metre cabin runabout suffered engine problems around 10am today and requested assistance from Marine Rescue NSW.
All Marine Rescue NSW crews have been stood down for the day after the multi-agency search for a missing boater off Newcastle was suspended for the day.
Marine Rescue NSW vessels Lake Macquarie 30 and Newcastle 30 were stood down around 5.15pm while volunteers on board Terrigal 30 headed back to base around 4.40pm.
Lemon Tree Passage 30 and Port Stephens 30 were stood down earlier in the afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast Zone Commander Steve Raymond said there was no sign of any persons in the water during today’s extensive search which began just before 8am this morning.
“All of the volunteers from our various units put in a mammoth effort committing to a full day of searching.
“They conducted themselves professionally and searched a large area very thoroughly,” Zone Commander Raymond said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Lake Macquarie 30 and Newcastle 30 will resume the search with Water Police from Newcastle and Port Stephens at 8am tomorrow.
Volunteers on board Marine Rescue NSW vessels Port Stephens 30, Lemon Tree Passage 30, Newcastle 30, Lake Macquarie 20 and Terrigal 30 have resumed the multi-agency search for a male boater who failed to return as planned from a voyage at Lake Macquarie late yesterday.
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast Zone Commander Steve Raymond said a crew on board rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 30 searched with Water Police 49 for just over four hours last night.
“LM 30 began searching around 7.45pm until they were stood down at midnight,” he said.
Multiple Marine Rescue boats were deployed to resume the search for the man from 7.30am this morning.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Lake Macquarie 30 conducted a search of Lake Macquarie this morning,” Zone Commander Raymond said.
“Lemon Tree Passage 30 and Port Stephens 30 are working with Water Police 26 conducting a line search from Anna Bay to Newcastle.
“Newcastle 30 is off Redhead providing assistance to the aerial search in that area.
“Marine Rescue volunteers on board Lake Macquarie 20 and Terrigal 30 are meeting with Water Police 22 south of Swansea Heads and will focus north to Newcastle,” Zone Commander Raymond said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in the southern Illawarra region now have new life-saving equipment after receiving a National Australia Bank Foundation community grant.
NAB Senior Private Client Manager David Novakovic presented a cheque for $9,680 to fund eight Jon Buoys which will be distributed amongst the Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa Marine Rescue units.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Unit Commander Kevin Hill said a Jon Buoy is essentially a one-man recovery system or life raft.
“We’ve been able to adapt it to so many more uses than that.
“We recently had an exercise with the Sussex Inlet unit with their rescue watercraft and there were some people on the beach being resuscitated.
“There was a need to deploy onto the beach the oxygen set as well as the defibrillator and they couldn’t get anywhere close enough to the boat.
“So what we did was put the oxygen kit and the defibrillator into one of these Jon Buoys and they were able to tow it into the shore where it was needed, so another versatile use for that particular piece of equipment,” Unit Commander Hill said.
Mr Novakovic said the National Australia Bank Foundation was pleased to support such a vital piece of life-saving equipment.
“As we’ve heard from the stories, the benefits that would have been in place had the Jon Buoys been part of the inventory would have been amazing.
“It’s going to allow for more versatility going forward and for safer rescues to take place in the future,” Mr Novakovic said.
The Jervis Bay Unit Commander said the support shown by the NAB Foundation is greatly appreciated and the generosity will benefit boaters on the South Coast.
“I cannot stress enough how grateful we are as a unit but more importantly how NAB are going to support Marine Rescue NSW,” Mr Hill said.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay member Leona Curran has been named a finalist in the Marine Rescue NSW agency category for the 2023 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) less than a week after being crowned the Marine Rescue NSW winner at the Shoalhaven Emergency Services Community Awards.
Ms Curran joins Northern Rivers pair, Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock and long-serving Ballina volunteer Phillip Causley and Marine Rescue Merimbula member Edwin Dietrich as finalists for this year’s agency award.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said all four members are deserving finalists.
“Marine Rescue NSW is proud of all its volunteers and it is wonderful to see this group recognised as RESCA finalists.
“Their dedication to their local community, the boaters of NSW and Marine Rescue NSW is greatly appreciated.
“I wish them all the best at the awards ceremony,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The winner of the Marine Rescue NSW agency award will be announced at the RESCA ceremony at Bankstown Sports Club on August 12.
Leona Curran – Marine Rescue Jervis Bay
During her nine years at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay, Leona Curran has helped raise more than $500,000 for the unit.
Classified as Grants Officer, she has organised grants and coordinated fundraising activities including Bunnings barbecues, the Huskisson Monthly Markets, raffles and Marine Rescue’s Australia Day Jervis Bay Duck Derby where Ms Curran has also strengthened relationships with the Gadhungal Murring organisation.
Ms Curran’s work on the Duck Derby has helped the unit set new fundraising records for the event and she was also awarded second place with photos of the derby in a National Australia Day Council competition where she secured $2,000 for the unit.
Jonathan Wilcock – Marine Rescue Brunswick
Starting as a sailor in Victoria at the age of seven, Jonathan Wilcock became involved in competitive sailing and supporting boat operators as a child.
In his late teens he joined the SES to help with rescues in road accidents, swift water emergencies and floods.
After moving to the NSW Northern Rivers, he joined Marine Rescue Brunswick in 2017 and became Unit Commander in July 2019.
During the 2022 Northern Rivers flooding event Mr Wilcock worked alongside the NSW SES, NSW Police and Surf Lifesaving volunteers assisting with rescues and at one point extracting a severely ill person trapped in a flooded house. With neither an ambulance or helicopter able to access the area, he borrowed a vehicle with a snorkel fitted, allowing it go into deeper water, and got the patient out.
Mr Wilcock worked closely with the Mullumbimby SES, assisting people affected by flooding in the Mullumbimby and Upper Brunswick Valleys, delivering fuel, food and other necessities.
He also assisted in the Emergency Operations Centre and when the waters receded was active in the clean-up.
Phillip Causley – Marine Rescue Ballina
There was little doubt Phillip Causley would end up in a helping profession. From his last years in high school he was out helping, first with Kidz Kamp for the St Vincent de Paul Society, then the NSW SES, followed by service with the Westpac Helicopter and the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary.
In 2011, Mr Causley joined Marine Rescue Ballina and has held the positions of Crew, Leading Crew, Coxswain and Deputy Unit Commander.
His skills were put the to the test in June 2020 when a vessel sank off Patch’s Beach in South Ballina in the early hours of the morning. Mr Causley went out with crew, battling a treacherous bar and ferocious seas to rescue two people in the water.
During the 2022 floods, Mr Causley spent three days in Lismore rescuing flood victims. Notwithstanding his own home in Ballina being flooded, he assisted others for the next five days.
When floods hit the far west last November, he went to Walgett to assist with evacuations, helping small indigenous settlements and restocking supplies. He then went on to assist at Condobolin repairing and stabilising flood levies.
Edwin (Stewart) Dietrich – Marine Rescue Merimbula
After retiring from service with the Royal Australian Navy, Edwin Dietrich joined Marine Rescue Merimbula in 2015.
Based at Merimbula, he has trained other members of Marine Rescue NSW in navigation and boat handling, held executive positions, raised funds, monitored the marine radio network and participated in sea rescues.
When the 2019-20 bushfires threatened Merimbula, he worked tirelessly at evacuation centres, providing help and comfort. After the fires passed, he went back to the evacuation centres to assist with the clean-up and return to business.
Mr Dietrich was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his service during the 2019-20 bushfires.
As a member of Marine Rescue NSW he was seconded to the NSW SES Incident Control Centre at Bankstown during the 2021 floods.
In 2022, he was deployed to the Riverina as part of the flood response where he skippered various vessels and assisted isolated people and livestock.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Four Marine Rescue NSW members have been recognised on the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours list.
Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow, Botany Port Hacking volunteer and Marine Rescue NSW Board member Robert (Bob) Wilson, long-serving Wooli member Jacquelyn Taffs and Shoalhaven volunteer Raymond Jones have been named Emergency Services Medal recipients.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated the group and said being awarded the Emergency Services Medal is a fitting tribute for their service.
“Ian, Bob, Jackie and Ray’s dedication to their respective units and communities make them all worthy recipients of the Emergency Services Medal.
“To have people of their calibre amongst our ranks is a real asset for our service.
“Marine Rescue NSW is extremely thankful for their commitment to the service and the NSW boating community,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Ian Morrow – Marine Rescue Central Coast
Ian Morrow joined the then Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 2007 serving over 15 years in a volunteer capacity and at the time of the formation of Marine Rescue NSW in July 2009 was a qualified and highly experienced Coxswain and Watch Officer. While originally joining the Central Coast Unit, he has during his service also volunteered and assisted the Marine Rescue Newcastle Unit in various capacities.
Mr Morrow has become one of the region’s leading trainer/assessor and educators for Marine Rescue NSW members on water and in radio operations. In addition to his training and education roles, he has been involved in a large number of rescues and assists over the years.
His confidence, knowledge, and ability as a Coxswain to undertake all manner of assists and rescues using his vast experience and common sense is exemplary.
During the 2022 Flood emergency, like many Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, Mr Morrow coordinated and led the Central Coast Unit team to assist with flood relief for properties on the MacDonald River near Wiseman’s Ferry.
In June 2022, Mr Morrow skippered Central Coast 21 which was involved in an 11-hour rescue of a distressed vessel 20 nautical miles east of Terrigal along with Central Coast 30. Mr Morrow and his crew shadowed CC 30 due to sea conditions until both rescue boats were around five nautical miles off Avoca where CC 21 took the tow for the long trip to Bayview.
In 2021, Mr Morrow was tasked to rendezvous with a Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie vessel off Redhead escorting a 30-foot cruiser with intermittent engine issues and possibly taking on water. The sea conditions leaving Newcastle were atrocious with four to five metre swell and winds blowing at more than 25 knots. The cruiser with five people on board made it to safely Newcastle Harbour with the rescue well commanded by Mr Morrow.
Mr Morrow is a qualified trainer and assessor with the TAFE Cert IV in Training and Assessment and while primarily involved with the Central Coast and Newcastle Units, he has become the subject matter expert in ongoing training for the region’s Coxswains and Watch Officers. Mr Morrow is also a qualified NSW Boat Licence trainer for which he has trained members of the public and Marine Rescue NSW members to obtain their NSW boat licences.
Throughout Mr Morrow’s years of service, his dedication to training has been without question, and in the last few years he has added administration of Marine Rescue Units to his abilities and experience.
In 2015, Mr Morrow became Deputy Unit Commander of the Newcastle Unit for four years while also undertaking the role of Operations Officer, Trainer and Assessor and Training Systems Officer for both the Newcastle and Central Coast Units. He was elected Unit Commander of the Central Coast Unit in 2022 and as a sign of his dedication continues with training and other related duties at the Newcastle Unit.
Mr Morrow has been heavily involved in regional and inter-regional Search and Rescue Exercises with Marine Rescue NSW and other agencies. Beyond the Newcastle and Central Coast Units, He is a highly regarded trainer and assessor for all levels of vessel operations for Marine Rescue NSW and has contributed to training for a range of Marine Rescue NSW Units and has conducted training for state-wide courses for vessel Crew, Leading Crew and Coxswain. He has worked closely with NSW Police Marine Area Command in his region and undertaken voluntary duties with Marine Area Command Sydney.
Mr Morrow’s contribution to Marine Rescue NSW in numerous roles, operational courage and willingness to share his extensive knowledge and experience to build the safety and professionalism of his fellow volunteers is driven by an abiding and selfless commitment to service.
Robert Wilson – Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking
Robert Wilson has served the community of NSW with distinction as a Marine Rescue volunteer for more than 15 years. Mr Wilson is a member of the Botany Port Hacking Unit and has contributed greatly to the organisation both on the water and in key leadership positions.
He has served in a variety of roles at the Botany Port Hacking Unit such as operational Marine Rescue NSW Vessel Crew, Deputy Unit Commander, Treasurer and Public Engagement and Fundraising Officer.
In a broader organisational contribution, he was Company Secretary of Marine Rescue NSW for a five-year period when it came into being on 1 July 2009. In 2010 he was elected as a Director of the Board of Marine Rescue NSW for the Greater Sydney Region and served for four years until 2014. For the past five years he has served as a General Director after being elected in 2018.
In addition to his leadership attributes, Mr Wilson has recorded hundreds of hours of sea time encompassing search and rescue operations within enclosed waters and offshore. These operations vary in terms of seriousness and complexity and range from routine breakdowns to life-threatening situations. On many occasions, he has often put himself in harm’s way to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others. Mr Wilson has also been involved in sensitive offshore operations as a senior crew member of Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking.
In 2015, Mr Wilson was on board Marine Rescue Botany 30 for a multi-agency rescue after a vessel ran aground at Cape Solander and became jammed on rocks. Four people were safely retrieved by PolAir.
He previously assisted in an emergency operation in which a boater had suffered an extensive propeller injury to his legs. Mr Wilson performed first aid prior to the patient being transported to hospital.
Mr Wilson is widely respected for his skill and professionalism. He has been involved in numerous challenging search and rescue operations in response to traumatic emergencies and his care and compassion for those in need is also extended to his fellow volunteers.
Mr Wilson has participated in many joint water and boating safety programs representing Marine Rescue NSW including as a member of the Black Spot Program education team alongside representatives from Fisheries, Maritime and the Recreational Fish Association which focused on Rock Fishing Safety and the Life Jacket program for fishers in the areas from Coogee to La Perouse.
He has contributed greatly to the safety of the NSW boating community, serving with distinction, dedication and commitment to the highest standards of service and saving lives on the water.
Jacquelyn Taffs – Marine Rescue Wooli
Jacquelyn Taffs has served the community of NSW with distinction as a Marine Rescue NSW volunteer for more than 20 years. Mrs Taffs is a dedicated and selfless member of the Marine Rescue Wooli Unit on an isolated stretch of the Northern Rivers coastline. Mrs Taffs has supported the surrounding Northern Rivers Marine Rescue Units with leadership, mentoring and training whilst performing key roles within her own unit such as Base Operations Officer, Watch Officer and Radio Operator.
Mrs Taffs joined the Marine Unit of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association at Wooli in June 2002. In 2009, with the formation of the new Marine Rescue NSW, the unit became Marine Rescue Wooli. The unit keeps watch over the Wooli River, its hazardous bar and exposed offshore waters on an isolated stretch of the Northern Rivers coastline. It operates with a small pool of volunteers drawn from the Wooli village of 350 residents, requiring a major commitment of time and effort from all 21 unit members.
Mrs Taffs lengthy and varied experience sees her act as a valued mentor and advocate for her volunteer colleagues where she is recognised as a champion for the female members of Marine Rescue NSW, providing leadership and support to encourage the development and ambitions of the women around her. Mrs Taffs consistently displays commitment to volunteer education and professional development investing significant time and effort to deliver training courses for Radio Operators and Watch Officers from all seven Northern Rivers Regional Units to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles.
As a senior Marine Rescue Radio and Watch Officer, Mrs Taffs is usually the first point of contact for boaters in need of rescue and assistance who are often in high levels of stress. This requires maintaining constant communications with the boater to keep them calm and provide instructions over the radio while rescue craft reach the vessel. In her role she is responsible for incident activations and the tactical response for distress and urgency calls.
Mrs Taffs constant readiness has seen her respond to distress calls from boaters in trouble on the water at all times of the day and night. In 2021 in her role as Watch Officer she demonstrated great professionalism and flawless teamwork in the successful life-saving rescue operation of SV Mystic, a 43ft steel ketch with three people on board.
She has played a pivotal role in the unit’s operations to save lives on the water, including many Wooli bar rollovers and responded to numerous life-threatening emergencies, such as a man overboard from the vessel Del Segno, off North Solitary Island at night in 2011, in which one life was lost and another saved, the loss of the sailboat Pelgram II a MAYDAY operation in 2014 and the rescue of the sailing vessel Bullwinkle that smashed onto rocks in 2015.
Mrs Taffs has contributed in a most distinguished manner to the safety of the NSW boating community serving with distinction, dedication and commitment to the highest standards of service and saving lives on the water.
Raymond Jones – Marine Rescue Shoalhaven
Image: (LtoR) Marine Rescue Shoalhaven’s Peter Dicker, Raymond Jones ESM and Deputy Unit Commander Lynne Hocking
Raymond Jones has given meritorious service to the NSW community as a volunteer member of the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Unit for more than a decade. His professionalism, commitment and skill have directly contributed to the safety of the boating public on Shoalhaven waterways.
A qualified Marine Rescue Master, Mr Jones places the highest priority on the safety of his crew members and boating community, particularly when operating in dangerous conditions at night, in rough seas or unfavourable weather. He has led numerous challenging search and rescue operations in response to traumatic emergencies.
Mr Jones is a quiet achiever and never seeks thanks or accolades. In January 2016, Mr Jones was requested to take on the role of Training Officer and assist with other administration roles at the Shoalhaven Unit. These responsibilities were in addition to his normal rescue vessel Crew and Watch Officer operations.
He remains the Unit’s Roster Officer, Training System Officer, Assessor, Membership Officer and Training Officer while also continuing his operational on water duties.
Mr Jones has recorded hundreds of hours of sea time and is a skilled and respected rescue vessel Master who makes himself available around the clock to respond to emergencies on the water. He has been involved in numerous rescue missions, often in dark and dangerous conditions to return those in trouble safely to their families and friends.
As vessel Master in 2013, Mr Jones was tasked to rescue three spear fishers from the water after their vessel overturned off Crookhaven Heads in rough conditions. All casualties were rescued and taken to safe haven while he was also involved in a protracted night search for a missing rock fisherman in perilous conditions off Beecroft Head. The search went well into the night in very rough seas but despite all best efforts, the fisherman was never recovered.
In 2022, Mr Jones rescued two paddle boarders and a dog that had been swept out to sea across the Crookhaven bar.
In 2019 in his Watch Officer role, Mr Jones was overseeing the night shift in the Radio Room when a yacht requested assistance for a medical emergency off Jervis Bay. Mr Jones organised for a Marine Rescue NSW vessel to transfer the person to shore where they were assisted by NSW Ambulance paramedics. He then assisted the yacht’s crew to navigate to a safe berth within Jervis Bay.
Mr Jones is held in the highest regard by the members of the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Unit and the local boating community.
Marine Rescue NSW is encouraging boaters across the state to play it safe on the water this King’s Birthday long weekend.
Marine Rescue volunteers across NSW are rescue ready from the Tweed to Eden and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell is asking all boaters to check weather conditions and to be vigilant when out and about on the state’s waterways over the coming days.
“It is important at Marine Rescue that we are out there promoting safe boating behaviours right across the NSW coastline and inland waterways.
“Rescues are one thing but if we can stop those happening before people get out on the water and get into difficulty that is a great thing for Marine Rescue and boating in NSW,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“Simple checks of making sure that your boat is in good working order before you leave the boat ramp.
“Checking that you have the right safety equipment and the right amount of fuel for your voyage can prevent a good day on the water turning into a bad day on the water,” he said.
Over the past 12 months, Marine Rescue NSW has seen positive growth in boaters using its lifesaving Log On and Log Off service.
“One simple step that any boater can take is to Log On with Marine Rescue, either over VHF marine channel 16 or via the free Marine Rescue app.
“It is a simple step and it means that if you don’t return as planned Marine Rescue will start looking for you,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were involved in 252 rescue missions in May, returning 398 people safely to shore.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteers were kept busy assisting boaters on the state’s waterways.
“Despite heading into the cooler months our units right across the state have seen a large number of rescues, over 250 in May alone.
“It is a reminder for boaters how important it is that they check their equipment before they get out on the water and that they take all the right safety precautions,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said 57% of rescue missions in May were a result of mechanical issues.
“Disappointingly many of the incidents were avoidable like running out of fuel, flat batteries and mechanical/engine issues,” he said.
38% of the rescue missions were emergency responses and Commissioner Barrell said with the change in season certain situations could become life-threatening for boaters.
“When boaters breakdown and become disabled in the colder water, it does increase the risk of an incident becoming more serious.
“With so many rescues seen through May were are urging boaters to make sure that they do check the conditions before they head out and that they check their vessel,” he said.
The Lake Macquarie Unit on the Hunter/Central Coast was the busiest in May with 44 rescues while volunteers at Botany Port Hacking completed 19.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 18,266 radio calls over the month with a large portion answered by the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre.
10 of those calls were MAYDAYs where lives were in imminent danger.
Commissioner Barrell praised the 5,497 boaters who Logged On and Logged Off with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Through May we saw just under five-and-a-half thousand Log Ons and Log Offs over our free Marine Rescue app or over the VHF marine radio.
“It is so important that boaters take the opportunity and take advantage of our service to Log On because we know it saves lives and if you do breakdown and don’t return as planned rescue crews will start looking for you,” Commissioner Barrell said.
More than 100 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast teamed up with NSW Police Marine Area Command and other agencies for a major Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) at Ballina over the weekend.
The two-day event had an on water focus on Saturday while information sessions were held on Sunday.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said Marine Rescue members from Point Danger, Brunswick, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba, Wooli, Coffs Harbour and Crowdy Harrington took part in the important training exercise where the scenario involved a simulated overturned 15 metre fishing trawler with four crew (targets) unaccounted for in waters off Ballina.
“This weekend, we’ve seen over 100 volunteers from our Marine Rescue units, Surf Life Saving, Australian Maritime Safety Authority and New South Wales Police come together here in Ballina to hone their search and rescue skills and undertake an opportunity to come together and really practice what we do on the water.
“It is such an important day and weekend on our training calendar.
“It is wonderful to see all our volunteers come together from all the units and exercise their skills,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Area Command, Sergeant Ryan Spong coordinated the SAREX and said representatives from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority also provided input into the exercise.
“These exercises are really valuable for the members involved to get some real-time practical search and rescue experience,” Sergeant Spong said.
Effective search patterns were employed and all four training targets were located and retrieved in a timely manner.
Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer Sharon Clark said the teamwork showed by all involved in the SAREX was exceptional.
“It was really interesting and a great learning curve.
“The fact that we don’t do multiple rescues in the bases at any one time and we’ve had to do that today has been fantastic training for all of us,” she said.
Two more regional SAREXs will be held over the coming months on the Hunter/Central Coast and at Batemans Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Port Kembla have been tasked to assist NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service following reports of an entangled whale off Five Islands this morning.
Port Kembla 31 will act as the mother ship for the NPWS crew.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a private vessel is currently monitoring the whale.
“We’ve got a good window of opportunity to assist with the disentanglement operation because the weather conditions are favourable.
“Marine Rescue vessel PK 31 will escort the NPWS Zodiac to the entangled whale shortly,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW will take part in the first of three regional Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX) on the NSW North Coast at Ballina this weekend (June 3 and 4).
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Mal Jeffs said the exercise is vitally important to ensuring Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are rescue ready.
“We exercise our skills, our training and our coordination, which in this case is with the Marine Area Command, part of the NSW Police, in the work that we do to support them,” Mr Jeffs said.
The SAREX will be held across Saturday and Sunday and see Marine Rescue NSW volunteers work alongside multiple Emergency Services agencies.
“This two-day exercise will involve Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the NSW Police particularly the Marine Area Command.
“Our main goal is to test our capabilities to see how we perform at a high level looking for missing people.
“We coordinate our searches and our search patterns to try and get positive outcomes for locating and recovering missing vessels, missing people and the like,” he said.
Northern Zone Commander Jeffs said a variety of vessels and craft will be used during the exercise including rescue boats, rescue water craft and a helicopter.
“We run them (SAREXs) in the area regularly, not necessarily of this size but we test all our capabilities, vessels and personnel including radio operators,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW members from the Point Danger, Brunswick, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba, Wooli, Coffs Harbour and Crowdy Harrington units will take part in the exercise.
Regional SAREXs are held annually with exercises planned for the Hunter/Central Coast and Batemans Bay later this year.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Port Kembla 31 have assisted in a search and rescue mission after two stand-up paddleboarders were swept offshore by strong winds this afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said PK 31 was dispatched to assist Marine Area Command in the search for the two males.
The Marine Area Command vessel collected the first person approximately 2kms off Hill 60.
Port Kembla 31 was on approach to the second male who was approximately 3kms offshore when the Lifesaver 21 chopper arrived and winched him to safety.
“All agencies responded very quickly and worked well together to effect the successful rescues,” Mr Massey said.
It is believed the males were paddle boarding at Windang before being caught in strong winds and blown out to sea.
“A strong wind warning is currently in place for the Illawarra Coast and it is quite powerful on the water.
“It is really important that anyone heading out on the water always checks the weather and conditions,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers on board Marine Rescue Batemans Bay 20 and Tuross Moruya 21 have assisted two people on board a 40-foot yacht following an electrical fire on the vessel around 7.30am this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the distressed vessel was located 17 nautical miles (31kms) southeast of Batemans Bay by TU 21 and BM 20.
“This afternoon Marine Rescue Batemans Bay escorted a vessel back into Batemans Bay Marina.
“The vessel had earlier reported that there had been a fire on board caused by an electrical fault.
“Fortunately when our crews arrived the vessel was still safe and the crew on board the distressed vessel was safe as well,” he said.
Inspector Massey said the electrical fire disabled vital communication equipment on board the yacht.
“Fortunately they had other safety equipment on board like mobile phones and an EPIRB that was activated.
“We were able to locate them quickly and assist them back to shore,” Inspector Massey said.
Boaters are encouraged to always Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW every time they go out on the water either via VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSW app.
Boaters on the Sydney and Hunter Coasts are being advised to not to get too close to whales as they make their annual trip north to warmer waters.
Multiple pods of humpbacks have been spotted off the coast from the Royal National Park to Seal Rocks in recent days after making the trip up the NSW South Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said boaters need to be aware of the marine mammals.
“As we are starting to see the whale migration along the NSW Coast, Marine Rescue is reminding boaters that there are rules and restrictions in place for the wellbeing of the animal but also the safety of boaters.
“Boaters are not to come within 100 metres of a whale or 300 metres of a whale and a calf.
“If a whale does surface near your vessel it is important that you cut your motors and slow down to a safe speed,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell is also reminding skippers not to approach whales from behind or to wait in front of their path.
The Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner said no more than three vessels at a time should approach whales and skippers should wait their turn.
“There will be plenty of time to enjoy these magnificent creatures during the migration season.
“As always if you are heading out on the water to view the whales please make sure that you Log On and Log Off with your local Marine Rescue base either via the Marine Rescue app or over VHF marine radio Channel 16,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Iluka Yamba 30 have responded to a vessel which capsized on the Clarence River Bar at Yamba on the state’s north coast this afternoon.
The sailing catamaran overturned in rough conditions around 1.15pm.
The crew on board IY 30 assessed the vessel while a man was picked up by Surf Life Saving NSW on a jet ski and taken to shore for assessment by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Iluka Yamba 30 skipper Mick Madden said the crew was exceptional in challenging conditions.
“The bar was very difficult and confused with a substantial cross swell running.
“We assessed the wreckage, it was in bits and pieces and continuing to break up,” he said.
Mr Madden said the vessel was unsalvageable demonstrating the power of the bar.
“It was just outside the breaker line when we headed back to base.
“The wreckage was heading towards the beach about half-a-nautical mile south of Iluka Bluff,” he said.
A securite has been issued to warn boaters of the navigational hazard.
Marine Rescue NSW urges boaters to check and monitor conditions and to Log On with Marine Rescue via VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSW app.
Senior crew from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Batemans Bay have spent the past two days on waterways around Cronulla undergoing induction and training on each unit’s new 6.3 metre walk-through console Naiad boats.
The Tuggerah Lakes 21 and Batemans Bay 21 replacement rescue vessels are powered by twin Suzuki 115 horsepower outboard engines and are capable of reaching speeds of 38 knots.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton and Batemans Bay Unit Commander Rod Ingamells along with senior crew members were thoroughly shown how to operate the vessels before delivering them to their respective bases today.
Mr Sutton said Marine Rescue volunteers at the Tuggerah Lakes unit are excited about adding the new vessel to the fleet.
“The new Naiad has performed exceptionally; it’s done a great job.
“It’s going to replace a 10-year-old vessel, a Cobia that we’ve had and this will be certainly well received by our members and also the community,” he said.
The Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander said the new rescue boat is part of Marine Rescue’s fleet modernisation program.
“It’s replacing a 10-year-old vessel so technology is a big thing.
“Upgraded navionics, reliability, safety for our members plus being able to get to whatever jobs we need to do in a faster manner and then being able to get people back to safety,” Mr Sutton said.
Since October 2022, volunteers at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes have completed 53 rescue missions.
Mr Ingamells said the new Batemans Bay 21 is a versatile vessel with wide-ranging capability.
“Predominantly we’ll be using it mainly for around the early areas of three to four nautical miles out to sea but we generally go all the way up past Nelligen.
“We can get up there because of the depth of the keel, there’s a fair few rocks up in that area but generally, quick tows, quick response.
“In our area we get people that go overboard fairly regular and we can get there fairly quickly with this vessel,” Mr Ingamells said.
Mr Sutton said the new TL 21 will be able to respond to all sorts of issues.
“The Tuggerah Lakes system is over 80 square kilometres of the three lakes and the rivers and we’ve got to be able to reach all those areas and this new vessel will be able to get into shallower water than our current vessel, which is birthed down at the entrance,” Mr Sutton said.
The Batemans Bay unit has had a busy start to the year completing 58 rescue missions including 37 emergency responses since New Year’s Day.
Tuggerah Lakes 21 and Batemans Bay 21 are both fitted with a full Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteers at both units will begin undergoing full training and induction on the new vessels from this weekend before they go into active service.
“What’s really great when we turnover our vessels is watching the unit members get out there, get engaged with the new vessel, train and practice so that when the call comes, our crews are skilled up and can go and render that assistance,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Dave Williamson or ‘Scooter Dave’ as he’s known around the Illawarra has made another generous donation from his bottle and can collecting, this time supporting the Shellharbour Marine Rescue Unit.
Scooter Dave presented Shellharbour Unit Commander Rick O’Connor with $5,000 during a ceremony at the Towns Street Marine Rescue base.
Mr Williamson has battled has been battling a respiratory illness over the past six weeks but on his better days still ventured out on his scooter to collect bottles and cans from community contributors and discarded items left near and around the Windang Bridge.
Scooter Dave unfortunately suffered a medical episode while cleaning his home on Sunday (May 14) and was transported to Wollongong Hospital for treatment.
He spent the night in care and has been discharged but requires ongoing treatment.
Just over 24 hours before his health turned, Scooter Dave handed over his latest bottle and can collecting proceeds to Marine Rescue Shellharbour.
“It’s because of what Marine Rescue does.
“If people break down in their boats they go out and they help them and bring them back in and make sure they get back home safely.
“They’ve got to have all the people to do the Marine Rescue, they’re volunteers most of them and they’ve got to have people to help them out, their fuel and all the different things that they need the money for so I think it’s a good cause to be able to donate to,” Mr Williamson said.
It took Scooter Dave around six months to collect the 50,000 bottles and cans needed to make his latest $5,000 donation.
Shellharbour Unit Commander Rick O’Connor has been a long time follower of Scooter Dave’s work in the community and made him an honorary member of the Shellharbour Unit because of his generosity to the service.
“We’d like to thank him for his donation, it’s greatly appreciated and will go a long way to serving our community further.
“He’s always welcome down here at Marine rescue Shellharbour and as an honorary member we hope to see him around all the time,” Mr O’Connor said.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager Stuart Massey said Scooter Dave’s $5,000 donation will help the Shellharbour unit immensely.
“It’s fuel in the tank, it’s putting lights on, it’s keeping our operation going so we can go out there and help members of the public when they’re in distress on the water,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW is financially supported by the NSW Government but also relies on fundraising to assist with operating costs at its 46 units across the state.
“Each of the Marine Rescue units does fundraising and that fundraising is very important to help us do what we do, to go out there and help the boating community of NSW.
“It’s really important if members and members of the public can get behind us to help ease that burden that we currently have,” Mr Massey said.
Scooter Dave has made cash donations to dozens of organisations and Illawarra community groups over the last six years and he plans to make another donation before the end of the year which will take his tally past $60,000.
“I’m often asked why I do it.
“The answer is simple, because I can,” Mr Williamson said.
Rapid responses to boating emergencies will be assisted with a $670,000 NSW Government-funded upgrade of the access road to the Marine Rescue NSW base at Lake Macquarie now finished.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said work has included grading and asphalt sealing of 750-metres of road that connected the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie base to the corner of Wallsend and Waratah Streets at Swansea Heads.
“The Marine Rescue Search and Rescue Coordination Centre at Swansea Heads, which operates 365 days a year, supports the Lake Macquarie unit which is the busiest in NSW recording 465 rescues over the summer boating season,” Mr Kamper said.
“This investment in better road infrastructure ensures Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie volunteers can get immediate 24/7 access to their operations base in all weather conditions to help save lives.”
The road upgrade was funded by Crown Lands in the Department of Planning and Environment and was managed by Lake Macquarie City Council.
Previously, the condition of the gravel and clay road was impacted during heavy rain hampering safe and efficient access for Marine Rescue volunteers.
Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Adam Shultz said Council would be the Crown land manager for the site, as well as being responsible for recreational infrastructure at the surrounding Reid’s Reserve.
“The Marine Rescue Search and Rescue Coordination Centre at Swansea Heads plays a vital role for thousands of people enjoying our lake and coast,” Mr Schultz said.
“It’s wonderful we now have a fit-for-purpose road its volunteers can use to access the site, and visitors can use to enjoy the incredible view.”
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Unit Commander Jim Wright said the upgrade was ‘great’.
“It will provide a safer road for our members to attend the Marine Rescue base and carry out their mission of saving lives on the water,” Mr Wright said.
“It will also make the radio base more accessible to the public which we hope will increase our opportunity to promote safe boating to the community.”
New 6.3 metre walk-through console Naiad boats are closer to going into service at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Batemans Bay after passing their sea trials.
The Tuggerah Lakes 21 and Batemans Bay 21 replacement vessels have been put through their paces by Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin at Yamba on the state’s north coast.
Parkin said the sea trial phase of a vessel’s construction is an all-encompassing process to ensure that the finishes, specifications, systems, engines and sea capability meets Marine Rescue’s requirements.
“Initial sea trails were really good, they performed well on the water, manoeuvrability was very simple and they got up out of the hull and on a plane very nicely so a good asset for both units,” he said.
Mr Parkin said that TL 21 and BM 21 have been designed to be multi-purpose vessels.
“They can really be very capable on enclosed inshore waters where we may have to help somebody out if they have run out of fuel or their battery is flat.
“Also if we need to do a search pattern and run them inshore but also offshore.
“Quite comfortable to send them offshore up to about seven nautical miles (13kms) where the crew can capably join in another search and conduct their own searches from these smaller vessels,” Mr Parkin said.
The vessels are powered by twin 115hp outboard engines capable of reaching speeds of 38 knots.
The new vessels come with a quick catch system on the trailer which Mr Parkin said makes launch and retrieval safer and easier for Marine Rescue volunteers.
“You drive the boat straight onto the trailer, it latches directly onto the trailer once you get into position and you drive away.
“It removes any chance of anybody getting their fingers in the way, you stay dry and you’re away into the carpark, secure the boat and you’re done,” he said.
Members from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Batemans Bay are set to undergo induction and training on the new vessel in the coming weeks before the boat goes into active service, replacing the existing TL 21 and BM 21 boats.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it’s important the service turns over its vessels regularly.
“These new vessels will be great additions to our Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Batemans Bay units.
“It’s important for both the volunteers and the boaters that we support that the vessels that they have are fit for purpose and can render assistance when assistance is needed,” Commissioner Barrell said.
TL 21 and BM 21 are two of 38 new rescue boats funded by the NSW Government’s $37.6 million investment in 2019 to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW Port Kembla and Shellharbour assisted Marine Area Command in the search for a missing rock fisherman off Kiama yesterday (Sunday May 7).
The man is believed to have been swept off rocks near Blowhole Point last Tuesday evening (May 2).
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager Stuart Massey said at the request of Marine Area Command, Shellharbour 30 resumed the search for the missing man on Sunday morning while three volunteers from the Port Kembla unit were on board Water Police 23.
“They were extra sets of eyes,” Mr Massey said.
“Shellharbour 30 focused on an area in closer to shore for four hours on Sunday.
“The crew searched from Bombo south to the Shoalhaven River.
“SH 30 had an inshore focus out to a couple of nautical miles offshore.
“Water Police 23 along with members from Port Kembla Marine Rescue covered an area approximately two to 12 nautical miles off the coast,” Mr Massey said.
The Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager said conditions on Sunday were rough and uncomfortable with the search conducted from 10am to 2.30pm.
“The search has been physically tough for our members but their commitment has been unwavering,” Mr Massey said.
Shellharbour 30 has spent four days searching for the missing fisherman after responding last Tuesday night while volunteers from Port Kembla have been involved for three days of the multi-agency search with Port Kembla 31 on the water for two.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Marine Rescue NSW vessels Port Kembla 31 and Shellharbour 30 have completed a second full day searching for a rock fisherman swept off rocks near Blowhole Point at Kiama on Tuesday night.
Marine Area Command stood down PK 31 and SH 30 at 3pm today after seven hours searching along with Water Police 23.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager Stuart Massey said PK 31 and SH 30 conducted parallel line tracking from Bombo to the Beecroft Peninsular near Currarong pushing 21 nautical miles (40kms) east.
“Our crews covered approximately 160 square nautical miles during today’s search.
“The wind chop and swell made searching the area difficult but manageable,” he said.
Mr Massey said the Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board were extremely focused despite the conditions.
“Their commitment is incredible.
“It was lumpy and uncomfortable out there, it was a confused sea with swells coming in from different directions,” Mr Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Port Kembla 31 and Shellharbour 30 have resumed the multi-agency search for a missing fisherman who is believed to have been swept off rocks near Blowhole Point at Kiama around 6:45 last night.
Both Marine Rescue vessels mustered with Water Police off Bombo Headland at 8:30 this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager Stuart Massey said SH 30 and PK 31 are conducting a parallel line search.
“They’re going from Bombo Headland to Black Rock in the south.
“Once they do a run a they will move half-a-mile east and run the same pattern.
“Our crews will gradually move further east with each leg until they’ve covered off a 40 square nautical mile area,” Mr Massey said.
The Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager said that the missing fisherman wasn’t wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident.
“A simple piece of safety equipment could have potentially avoided this search and rescue mission.
“We ask that all people heading out on the water wear a lifejacket,” Mr Massey said.
Marine Rescue vessel Shellharbour 30 spent two hours searching for the fisherman last night after reports the man believed to be aged in his 70s failed to resurface after going into the water.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
