Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Kembla played a vital role in rescuing multiple people from the water off MM Beach today (Sunday, 11 May).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a member of the public called triple zero (000) just after 12 p.m. to report several people struggling in the water off MM Beach.
“A volunteer crew was rapidly deployed on board rescue vessel Port Kembla 31.
“PK 31 arrived on scene within minutes and quickly retrieved three people (two males and one female) from the water, while lifesavers assisted on jet skis and retrieved another male.
“The rescued female on board PK 31 informed the Marine Rescue Port Kembla crew that a fifth person was unaccounted for.
“We immediately commenced a coastal search for the fifth person, and thankfully, he was located safe on Fishermans Beach.
“All individuals retrieved from the water were safely returned to Fishermans Beach uninjured. The group had been spearfishing prior to the incident.
“The execution, skill and speed shown by all first responders during this lifesaving mission were exceptional.
“For the Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Port Kembla 31 to deploy from our harbour base and retrieve three people from the water within 15 minutes is brilliant.
“These people were fortunate that a member of the public spotted them, and for the rapid lifesaving response by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and lifesavers,” Inspector Massey said.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Newcastle navigated darkness and a fast-flowing run-out tide overnight to rescue a stranded sailor four nautical miles (7.4 km) south of Nobbys Head.
Marine Rescue Newcastle Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh said the skipper of a Logged On 11-metre sailing catamaran called radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre at 10 pm last night (Tuesday 29 April) to ask for help after his vessel suffered engine failure.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Newcastle 30 was deployed.
“The crew reached the disabled vessel at 11:15 pm and checked the welfare of the sailor, who was fine. A towline was then secured to his vessel.
“Because of the weight and width of the vessel, it was a slow trip back into the harbour.
“We used FLIR (forward-looking infrared camera) technology on board Newcastle 30 to assist with safe passage.
“The strong run-out tide on the Hunter River restricted our travelling speed, and Newcastle 30 was required to perform a number of challenging manoeuvres to safely place the disabled vessel on a mooring near Stockton Bridge. At 1:20 am, the skipper and his vessel were secured,” she said.
Unit Commander Van Homrigh is also advising boaters to avoid going out on the water while a hazardous surf warning is in place for the Hunter Coast.
“Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous today and tomorrow.
“Boaters should delay their plans until conditions improve, and always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16,” she said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking resumed the multi-agency search for a man missing off Little Bay Beach this morning (Sunday 20 April).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said volunteers were back on water at 9.30am.
“After searching for over seven hours yesterday, our volunteers are continuing the search on board Botany Hacking 32.
“They have been searching an area off the coast of Sydney from Cape Baily in the south to Maroubra in the north and will continue to do so until instructed otherwise by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking have joined the multi-agency search for a man reported to be swept off rocks in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs yesterday (Friday 18 April).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking were on-water at 8am this morning (Saturday 19 April) after being tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking was deployed on board rescue vessel BH 32 and commenced searching at 8.30am.
“Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking volunteers are conducting a parallel line search off the coast from Cape Baily in the south to Maroubra in the north.
“Volunteers will continue to search under the direction of Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond 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.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Newcastle are assisting a multi-agency search for a missing female swimmer off Newcastle Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said a volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Newcastle 30 deployed before sunrise today (Sunday 13 April).
“Newcastle 30 was on the water at 5:25 am, with volunteer radio operators managing communications from the Marine Rescue Newcastle base at Stockton.
“Newcastle 30 is conducting a parallel line search with a NSW Water Police vessel.
“Marine Rescue Newcastle volunteers will continue to assist NSW Police Marine Area Command until instructed otherwise.
“Conditions are favourable offshore this morning, with seas under a metre and a 10-knot east to north-easterly wind,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Eden have safely returned a solo sailor and his 10-metre yacht to Twofold Bay following an epic two-part, 21.5-hour mission.
At 2am yesterday (Friday, 28 March), radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre received a call for assistance from a distressed skipper on board a yacht somewhere on the Far South Coast beyond Green Cape.
Marine Rescue Eden was tasked with the mission, with Unit Commander Roger Barson managing radio communications while a volunteer crew was deployed at 3am on board Marine Rescue NSW boat XRAY 30 to search for the distressed vessel.
“Radio contact was initially loud but broken,” said Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Roger Barson.
“Coast Guard Mallacoota radio also responded but experienced the same broken transmission. Radio communications then ceased, and calls to the skipper’s mobile went unanswered.
“XRAY 30 proceeded to Green Cape, searching the rugged coastline to the NSW/Victorian border, but no lights were seen, nor was a vessel located,” Barson said.
At 5:30am, XRAY 30 turned and continued the search north, back to Green Cape, before returning to Eden to refuel.
Unit Commander Barson said radio contact was re-established with the distressed yacht just after 11:30am, with the skipper confirming his location off Black Point, four nautical miles (7.5 km) north of the border.
“Marine Rescue Eden was tasked again, with XRAY 30 departing Snug Cove at 1:30pm.
“The distressed yacht was, thankfully, sighted by our crew an hour later.
“The XRAY 30 crew conducted a welfare check on the skipper, who informed them that he was out of fuel and his mainsail was jammed.
“With conditions deteriorating and a gale warning forecast for Saturday, the disabled yacht was taken under tow, with the return trip to Eden limited to five knots (9 km/h),” he said.
“Sea conditions were unfavourable, with two-metre swells, and there were numerous challenges with the towline. However, after an eight-and-a-half-hour tow back to Eden, the disabled yacht and its skipper were safely returned and anchored in Twofold Bay at 11:40pm last night (Friday, 28 March), Unit Commander Barson said.
“This was an extremely long and challenging rescue mission for the six crew members and three radio operators involved in both legs. It began in the dark and finished in darkness 21-and-a-half hours later. Our training held us all in good stead, leading to a positive outcome in the end,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Eden will continue searching for a missing rock fisherman on the NSW Far South Coast tomorrow (Saturday, 8 March) after spending more than an hour on the water searching this evening.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Eden was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command at 5:25 pm this evening (Friday, 7 March) following reports that an angler had been swept off rocks near Boyd’s Tower, south of Eden.
“A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Eden was immediately activated and deployed on board rescue vessel XRAY 30.
“Marine Rescue Eden volunteers searched an area off Boyd’s Tower before being stood down for the day just before 7:15 pm.
“XRAY 30 conducted a coastal search on return to base.
“Volunteers from Marine Rescue Eden will continue the search at 8:00 am tomorrow,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay received a MAYDAY call just before 9 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, 5 March), reporting that a vessel with four males on board was taking on water and at risk of sinking two nautical miles (3.7 km) east of Bowen Island off Jervis Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay was quickly assembled, and rescue vessel Jervis Bay 41 was deployed for the mission.
“Jervis Bay 41 arrived on the scene and immediately transferred the four males on board the rescue vessel. They were uninjured.
“The JB 41 crew then rafted the disabled six-metre centre console boat to the rescue vessel and began moving to shallow waters while pumping out excess water.
“An Australian Federal Police (AFP) crew arrived to assist, and while the disabled vessel was being transferred from JB 41 to the AFP boat, it was inundated and capsized in waters off the Hole in the wall, just south of Murrays Beach boat ramp” he said.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Jervis Bay 41 then safely returned the four anglers to Murrays Beach boat ramp,” Inspector Massey said.
As Jervis Bay 41 was returning to base, the crew was tasked with assisting three boaters stranded eight nautical miles (15 km) off Point Perpendicular after their vessel lost propulsion.
Inspector Massey said conditions off Jervis Bay were not favourable for boating today.
“A hazardous surf warning is in place, with the Illawarra Coast feeling the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to stay off the water until conditions improve,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers responded to a MAYDAY call from a commercial fishing vessel which ran aground on rocks just east of Bermagui Harbour this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said volunteer radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre received a MAYDAY call from the skipper of the distressed vessel at 4:40am (Thursday 27 February).
“NSW Police Marine Area Command was immediately notified and a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Narooma tasked to respond on board Narooma 30.
“The skipper of the disabled vessel indicated that all four people on board would attempt to make their own way to shore.
“Narooma 30 searched for people in the water in the area around the disabled vessel while volunteers from Marine Rescue Bermagui observed from the headland.
“Thankfully all four people on board the disabled vessel made their way safely to shore,” Inspector Sullivan said.
The Narooma 30 crew was undergoing a debrief back on land when they were tasked to assist a 36 foot vessel with two people on board which suffered mechanical failure off Cuttagee.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens have been tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command to assist in a multi-agency search approximately 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) east of Newcastle.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond saidrescue vessel Port Stephens 31 was deployed around 2pm today, Sunday 23 August.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crew on board Port Stephens 31 are assisting NSW Water Police with a parallel line search after a person reportedly went overboard, during a fishing competition.
“The search is expected to continue tomorrow with Marine Rescue NSW vessels Terrigal 30 and Newcastle 30 ready to assist,” Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Moama are on the Murray River assisting a multi-agency search for a missing man at Barooga in the New South Wales Murray region.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said Marine Rescue Moama was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command this afternoon (Friday 24 January 2025).
“A volunteer crew was assembled and headed for Barooga with rescue vessel Moama 20 in tow.
“Marine Rescue Moama volunteers on board Moama 20 are currently searching a stretch of the Murray River under the direction of Marine Area Command and will continue to do so until directed otherwise,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Two Marine Rescue NSW vessels and almost a dozen volunteers from Marine Rescue Moama will tomorrow continue the search for a missing male boater last seen on the Murray River near Five Mile boat ramp just before 7:30pm Tuesday 14 January.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteers from the Moama unit were stood down for the day at 6:15pm Wednesday.
Our crew resumed the search at 7am on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Moama 20 before switching craft and using a six-metre flat bottom punt rescue vessel X 20 to assist Victoria Police divers.
“X 20 provided a solid platform for Victoria Police divers with all their equipment to search the waterway and will do so again tomorrow.
“Both Moama 20 and X 20 will resume the search at 8am tomorrow (Thursday 16 January) while the Marine Rescue Moama base is being used a command post by police,” he said.
“Boaters are being reminded that a section of the river will be closed while divers are in the water,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Moama resumed the multi-agency search for a missing male boater on the Murray River near Moama this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteers were back on water at 7am.
“After searching for almost two hours last night, our volunteers are continuing the search on board Moama 20.
“They have been searching a stretch of the Murray River around Five Mile boat ramp and will continue to do so until instructed otherwise by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector 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.
Nine people have been returned safely to shore by volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie after the commercial vessel they were on started taking on water 5.5 kms off Swansea Heads this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said radio operators at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie received a call from the skipper of the disabled vessel just before 9am today (Sunday 12 Jan, 2025).
“The commercial vessel was taking on water and at risk of sinking. Multiple assets from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie were tasked for the response with rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 30 and both rescue watercraft (jet skis) arriving on scene within 20 minutes.
“Nine people were taken on board Lake Macquarie 30 with the support of both rescue watercraft,” he said.
“Lake Macquarie 30 was met by rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 31 at the bar where four people were transferred on board the second rescue boat,” Inspector Raymond said.
“Both Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie vessels then transported the nine people safely back to the Swansea RSL wharf, no injuries were reported.
“Lake Macquarie 30 then returned to the stricken vessel and assisted the skipper.
“The six-metre commercial vessel was secured and towed to Blacksmiths boat ramp.
“This morning’s response was a rapid team effort by our dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.
“To have the nine people safely on board the rescue vessel and returned to shore in less than 45 minutes shows how highly skilled they are,” Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla have safely returned two anglers to shore after their 7-metre boat suffered gearbox issues leaving them stranded 30 kilometres off Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast this afternoon (Saturday 11 Jan 2025).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the skipper of the Logged On vessel called radio operators at Marine Rescue Ulladulla to request assistance earlier this afternoon.
“A volunteer crew was immediately assembled and Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ulladulla 30 deployed for the mission,” he said.
“Ulladulla 30 reached the disabled vessel within an hour and checked on the welfare of the two persons on board before securing a towline for the long trip back to Ulladulla Harbour,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“The disabled vessel and its crew were safely returned to Ulladulla Harbour just after 6pm.
“The fact the skipper of this vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW ensured a swift response because our radio operators knew they were out there.
“Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16 saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Under the direction of Marine Area Command, volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay aboard vessels Port Kembla 31, Shellharbour 30, Shoalhaven 30 and Jervis Bay 41 have been stood down for the day from the multi-agency search for a missing 60-year-old last seen Friday morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said “with the changing conditions from increased winds it was best for our crews to return to their bases.
“The crews onwere back on the water at 9am today following yesterday’s search and were stood down for the day at 12:30 pm.
“They conducted parallel line search patterns from Point Perpendicular in Jervis Bay to Bass Point,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have returned to their bases and are awaiting further instruction from Marine Area Command. NSW Water Police will continue to search the area.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said “Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven have resumed a search for a missing man off Windang Island at the instruction of Marine Area Command.
“At 9am Port Kembla 31, Shellharbour 30 were back on water. They have now been joined by Jervis Bay 41 andShoalhaven 30 expanding the search from Point Perpendicular in Jervis Bay to Bass Point.
“Conditions currently are good but are expected to deteriorate this afternoon.” Inspector Massey said.
Under the direction of Marine Area Command, volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Kembla and Shellharbour aboard vessels Port Kembla 31 and Shellharbour 30 and Port Kembla RWCs (jet skis) have been stood down for the day from the multi-agency search for a missing 60-year-old last seen yesterday morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said conditions “were deteriorating with increasing wind causing a lot of chop on the surface.”
“The crews on Port Kembla 31, Shellharbour 30 and RWC operators began the search at 8:00 am after spending several hours searching yesterday night and were stood down for the day at 2:30 pm.
“They conducted a parallel line search from Flagstaff Point to Bass Point.
“Our crews have returned to base and are awaiting further instruction from Marine Area Command. NSW Water Police will continue to search the area.” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were back on water this morning at 8am tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Port Kembla 31 and Shellharbour 30 and Port Kembla Jet skis were deployed to assist NSW Water Police with parallel search patterns from Flagstaff Point to Bass Point.
“Conditions are deteriorating as wind picks up” said Inspector Massey.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command late last night, Friday 3 January.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Port Kembla 31 and Shellharbour 30 were deployed to assist NSW Water Police with the search at Five Island.
“Marine Rescue NSW crews began the search at 8:31pm after an unmanned vessel was spotted near Windang and searched for 3 hours.
“Conditions were challenging at night and so the crews will resume the search this morning (8am).
“Volunteers on board Vessels Port Kembla 31 and Shellharbour 30 with Port Kembla RWCs (jet skis) will do a search from Flagstaff Point to Bass Point and return to their bases later today,” said Inspector Massey.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and Wooli have resumed a search for a missing man off Moonee Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said volunteer crews have been deployed on Coffs Harbour 30, Woolgoolga 30 and Wooli 30 under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Coffs Harbour 30 and Woolgoolga 30 are back on water after assisting Marine Area Command with a search yesterday.
“A rescue vessel from Marine Rescue Wooli has also been tasked to assist with the search today.
“The three Marine Rescue NSW vessels commenced today’s search shortly before 8am.
“CO 30, WO 30 and WI 30 are currently conducting a parallel line search from Bare Buff to Korffs Islet.
“Conditions in the area are currently favourable,” Inspector Page said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga are assisting in a search for a missing male on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command earlier today, Saturday 28 December.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Coffs Harbour 30 and Woolgoolga 30 were deployed to assist NSW Water Police with the search.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews are conducting a parallel search from Moonee Beach to Korffs Islet.
“Conditions were challenging with 15 to 20 knot winds and a 1.5 to 2 metre swell.
“Volunteers on board Woolgoolga 30 will search along the coastline on their return to the Marine Rescue Woolgoolga base later today,” said Inspector Page.
Under the direction of Marine Area Command, volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal aboard the vessel Terrigal 30 have been stood down for the day from the multi-agency search for a missing 15-year-old last seen in the water at North Avoca Beach yesterday afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said conditions “were good to fair, as the easterly winds have picked up slightly above forecast since just before lunch.”
“The crew on Terrigal 30 began the search at 9:00 am after spending several hours searching yesterday afternoon and were stood down for the day at 2:45pm.
“They conducted a parallel line search from North Avoca to The Skillion at Terrigal.
“The commitment displayed by our volunteers both on the water and in radio operations yesterday and today has been exceptional, with our volunteers giving up their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to continue the search.
“Our crews have returned to base and are awaiting further instructions from Marine Area Command,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteers have resumed the search this morning for a missing 15-year-old off last seen in the water at North Avoca Beach yesterday afternoon. Volunteers on board Terrigal 30 resumed the search at 9am.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said “the water swell has eased since yesterday, and search conditions have improved”.
“The team will be conducting parallel searching from North Avoca to The Skillion at Terrigal under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command”.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal will be back on water Christmas morning assisting the multi-agency search for a missing teenage boy off North Avoca Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew on board Terrigal 30 spent two-and-a-half hours searching waters off North Avoca Beach this afternoon before being stood down for the day at 7pm.
“Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteers will continue the search at 9am tomorrow morning (25 December) on board Terrigal 30.
“Terrigal 30 will conduct search patterns in an area to be determined by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Terrigal has been tasked to assist NSW Police Marine Area Command with a search for a missing 15-year-old boy off North Avoca Beach this afternoon (Tuesday 24 December).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Terrigal 30 was deployed just after 4:30pm.
“Terrigal 30 rendezvoused with a NSW Water Police vessel off The Skillion and is now conducting search patterns under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Conditions offshore are choppy with 2.5 metre to 3 metre swell,” Inspector Raymond said.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay volunteers spent more than three hours this afternoon searching the waters of Jervis Bay after a member of the public reported seeing two stand-up paddleboarders struggling in windy and choppy conditions off Plantation Point shortly before 12 p.m. today.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said all four Marine Rescue Jervis Bay assets were deployed.
“Rescue vessels Jervis Bay 41 and Jervis Bay 20, along with the unit’s two rescue watercraft (jet skis), conducted an extensive search from Plantation Point to Red Point, northeast of Callala Bay.
“A rescue helicopter also swept the area.
“At 3:45 p.m. today, all four Marine Rescue Jervis Bay assets were stood down.
“There are no reported missing persons in the area.
“We acted on credible information, and with gusty southerly winds and choppy conditions, we conducted a thorough search, but nothing was located.
“We encourage all users of powered and non-powered watercraft to always wear a lifejacket and to log on with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16, so our volunteers can monitor their safe return.
“Logging on saves precious time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Massey said.
Four vessels and numerous volunteers from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay have been deployed to search for two stand-up paddleboarders on Jervis Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a member of the public reported seeing the paddleboarders struggling in challenging conditions off Plantation Point shortly before 12pm today (Monday, 23 December).
“It is believed the two individuals were blown into deeper water on their boards and were struggling to return to shore near Plantation Point.
“A gusty southerly wind has developed in the bay, and conditions are choppy.
“All four Marine Rescue Jervis Bay assets have been deployed.
“Jervis Bay 20 began the search off Vincentia and has since been joined by rescue vessel Jervis Bay 41 and the unit’s two rescue watercraft (RWC).
“A commercial tourism vessel assisted with the search initially before returning to Huskisson, while Marine Rescue Jervis Bay radio operators are managing communications.
“We encourage all paddleboarders to Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16, Logging On ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for their safe return and can save vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga spent three hours searching for a missing male on the NSW Mid North Coast this afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command earlier this afternoon (Saturday 7 December).
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Coffs Harbour 30 and Woolgoolga 30 were deployed to assist NSW Water Police with the offshore search.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews conducted a parallel line search from Bare Bluff, just south of Sandy Beach to Macauleys Headland,” he said.
“Conditions were challenging with a 15 to 20 knot northeasterly wind and a 1.5 to 2 metre swell.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews were stood down for the day just after 6:15pm.
“Volunteers on board Woolgoolga 30 and Coffs Harbour 30 will resume the search tomorrow morning (Sunday 8 December) with the two Marine Rescue NSW vessels to rendezvous with NSW Water Police off Bare Bluff at 8am,” Inspector Page said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie will continue the search for a missing male boater on Lake Macquarie at Valentine today after searching for almost three hours last night.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said Lake Macquarie 31 was deployed just before 9pm last night (Monday 25 November) to assist a multi-agency search led by NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“The volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 31 searched waters until 11:45pm.
“Lake Macquarie 31 has been tasked to resume the search at 8:30am today and will conduct search patterns under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour completed a five-hour rescue mission last night (Thursday 21 November) after receiving a call for assistance from the skipper of a catamaran whose vessel became disabled in waters off Corindi on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said the skipper of the disabled vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW and contacted radio operators at Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour at 6 pm last night.
“One of the rudders on the 10-metre sail catamaran became disabled, and one of the engines also lost propulsion, leaving the skipper unable to make headway 18 nautical miles (33kms) northeast of Coffs Harbour,” Inspector Page said.
A volunteer crew was assembled to assist and deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Coffs Harbour 30.
“The Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour crew arrived on scene and assessed the welfare of the skipper and his vessel before taking the catamaran under tow at 8 pm.
“There was an issue with the cleat used for the towline on the catamaran, and the line had to be re-established during the tow.
“Because the catamaran was down to one rudder, it was a slow, four-hour tow back to Coffs Harbour International Marina, with the Marine Rescue NSW vessel travelling at seven knots.
“The skipper and his catamaran were safely returned to harbour, with the volunteer Coffs Harbour 30 crew Logging Off at 11:50 pm.
“It was a long night for the crew on board Coffs Harbour 30, with the 36-nautical-mile round trip taking almost five hours,” he said.
“We ask all boaters to check the integrity of the cleats on their vessels to ensure they are of sufficient size and strength to facilitate a tow if required,” Inspector Page said.
“It is pleasing that the skipper of this vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW, and we encourage boaters to Log On and Off either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16 every time they hit the water.
“Logging On ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for their safe return, and should they go overdue, a search will be initiated.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Page said.
Two Marine Rescue NSW vessels have been tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command this afternoon to search for a crew member missing from a large commercial vessel off Newcastle.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said volunteer crews were tasked at 12pm today (8 November).
“Volunteer crews were rapidly assembled by Marine Rescue Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
“Rescue vessel Newcastle 30 was on water with 15 minutes while Lake Macquarie 30 was deployed and is currently on route to the search location,” he said.
“The Marine Rescue NSW vessels will rendezvous with two Water Police boats and conduct search patterns under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
More assets and volunteers from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Lake Macquarie have been tasked to assist day three of the multi-agency search for a missing child at The Entrance.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said vessels and crews from Marine Rescue Norah Head and Terrigal resumed the search at 8am today.
“Norah Head 20 and Terrigal 30 are conducting an offshore parallel line search with a NSW Water Police vessel while three more Marine Rescue NSW assets are being added to the search,” she said.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes vessel TL 20 and rescue watercraft (jet skis) have been tasked to search waters on Tuggerah Lake.
Inspector Greenslade said TL 20 has just been deployed while two Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie rescue watercraft (RWC) and their operators will be on water shortly after departing the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Pelican base at 11am.
“TL 20 and the RWCs will focus on areas in Tuggerah Lake as directed by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Terrigal and Norah Head have this morning resumed the multi-agency search for a child, believed to have swept into the sea at The Entrance early last night.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said Marine Rescue NSW has two vessels on-water assisting the search today.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Terrigal 30 and Norah Head 20 resumed the search off The Entrance at 8am.
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels are conducting a parallel line search from The Entrance to Pelican Point under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Conditions are lumpy offshore with a 1.5 metre swell and winds gusting at just over 30 km/h,” Inspector Raymond said.
Marine Rescue NSW crews from Norah Head and Tuggerah Lakes spent two hours searching last night before being stood down for the evening.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie assisted a boater this morning after his vessel overturned off Hams Beach on the state’s Hunter Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said radio operators at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie received a call from the skipper of the distressed vessel just before 7am this morning.
“At the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 31 was tasked for the mission.
“Members from Surf Life Saving NSW initially assisted the man offshore before the boater was transferred on board Lake Macquarie 31.
“Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie rescue watercraft (RWC) LM 13 was also tasked to assist with the LM 31 crew and RWC operator helping right the capsized 4-5 metre boat which was located approximately 300 metres off Hams Beach.
“It appears as though the vessel was hit by a larger swell set which rolled the boat, throwing the skipper into the water.
“The man was wearing a lifejacket and we remind boaters to always wear a lifejacket, they can only save you if you’re wearing it.
“Because the stricken vessel was a navigational hazard it was secured and towed by Lake Macquarie 31 to Swansea boat ramp where the boater was also returned to shore,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal have retrieved six paddlers from waters off Spoon Bay on the state’s Central Coast after their outrigger began filling with water and capsized this morning.
Marine Rescue Terrigal Deputy Unit Commander Darren Wright said volunteers at the unit were notified just before 8am this morning when a member of the Taragal Outrigger Club informed Marine Rescue NSW volunteers of concerns about an overdue outrigger crew.
“We were told their location could possibly be north of Terrigal Haven.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Terrigal 30 was immediately tasked and deployed for the search and rescue mission in lumpy and windy conditions,” he said.
The rapid response by Marine Rescue Terrigal led to the paddlers being located within 10 minutes of Terrigal 30 departing base.
“The paddlers who were all wearing lifejackets were approximately 300 metres off Spoon Bay and when we arrived their outrigger was filled with water, soon after it capsized,” Deputy Unit Commander Wright said.
“The Terrigal 30 crew retrieved all six paddlers and took them on the board the Marine Rescue NSW vessel for assessment.
“We provided them with space blankets and three of the paddlers were showing signs of hypothermia.
“We called NSW Ambulance to meet us at Terrigal Haven.
“The six paddlers were safely returned to shore and assessed by paramedics,” Deputy Unit Commander Wright said.
Volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Port Kembla and Marine Rescue Shellharbour are involved in a multi-agency search for a swimmer believed to be missing off Sandon Point, Bulli.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said volunteer crews on board Port Kembla 30 and Shellharbour 30 were deployed earlier this evening, Sunday 6 October, following a request from NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Port Kembla 31 and Shellharbour 30 departed their respective bases around 5.30pm and headed to the search area off Sandon Point.
“The two Marine Rescue NSW vessels searched alongside a Port Kembla Water Police vessel.
“The crews continued the search until low light hampered their efforts, our vessels were then stood down.
“Marine Rescue NSW crews are expected to re-commence the search early tomorrow morning under the direction of Marine Area Command,” Inspector Sullivan 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.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven have been tasked to locate an entangled whale off the Illawarra Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the whale is believed to be heading south in waters off Greenwell Point.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Shoalhaven 20 were deployed at 1:45pm today to relieve the ORRCA drone which was following the whale off Gerroa.
“Shoalhaven 20 is attempting to locate the entangled whale and once they do our crew will monitor it until the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Whale Disentanglement team arrives on scene.
“Marine Rescue NSW will provide mothership support to the NPWS team if required,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven completed an extensive seven-hour response on Saturday night (31 August) to assist 35 canoeists stranded on the Shoalhaven River after their support vessel experienced engine difficulties.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Port Kembla based volunteers received a call for assistance from the group just after 6.30pm Saturday.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Shoalhaven 20 was dispatched to assist with the rescue.
“After a two-hour journey the Marine Rescue NSW crew reached the group, who were located approximately 20 kilometres west of Nowra Bridge.
“Due to strong head winds, the group were struggling to complete the return journey.
With the large number of canoeists in the group, Inspector Massey contacted the local NSW Rural Fire Service unit for assistance.
“Rescue vessel Shoalhaven 20 transported members of the group to a nearby museum jetty, completing a number of trips to successfully transfer all 35 people to shore.
“Local RFS crews were then able to transport the canoeists by bus back to Nowra.
“The Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on Shoalhaven 20 then made the return journey to the unit’s base, arriving back at around 1.40am.
“Last night’s mission was not only a success, it was also a great example of collaboration between local emergency service organisations,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Port Kembla and Shellharbour units assisting the multi-agency search for two missing male rock fishers off Kiama have returned to base this afternoon after being deployed on board Port Kembla 31 at 7:30am today.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteer crews from the Shellharbour and Jervis Bay units are preparing to join the search tomorrow (21 August).
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Shellharbour 30 and Jervis Bay 41 are set to continue the search on waters south of Kiama tomorrow.
“The two Marine Rescue NSW vessels are planned to rendezvous with Port Kembla Water Police at 7am Wednesday.
“Shellharbour 30 and Jervis Bay 41 will conduct search patterns which will be determined by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Kembla have been tasked to assist NSW Water Police with a search for two rock fishers believed to missing off Kiama.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Port Kembla 31 was deployed at 7:30am today (20 August).
“The Marine Rescue NSW crew on board PK 31 will assist Port Kembla Water Police with a coastal contour search in waters off Kiama Blowhole after the two people reportedly failed to return from a fishing trip early last night.
“The Marine Rescue Port Kembla crew has just joined the search under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Sea conditions off Kiama are fair this morning,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet rescued a 17-year-old kayaker who needed assistance on St Georges Basin after cool winds whipped up this afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said the young paddler called Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet for help at 4:30pm after conditions deteriorated and he was unable to safely paddle back to his departure point.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and deployed on Sussex Inlet 20 for the mission.
“The paddler was located and taken on board SI 20, he was very cold.
“Our crew administered first aid, his body temperature rose and SI 20 returned him safely to Sanctuary Point boat ramp where his parents were waiting.
“The paddler had his mobile phone with him to call for help and we advise all paddlers and boaters to download the free Marine Rescue NSW app and Log On every time they hit the water.
“Logging on ensures our skilled volunteers keep watch for their safe return and should they not arrive as planned a search will be initiated, it only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” Inspector Massey said.
Two fisherman, stranded on the eastern side of the Continental shelf have been returned safely to shore by volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens following a marathon 9 hour and 20 minute rescue mission last night.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander and Watch Officer Ben Van Der Wijngaart received a call from the fishermen at 3pm yesterday (9 July) that their Logged On 7.9 metre cabin cruiser had suffered engine failure more than 30 nautical miles off Port Stephens Heads.
“At this distance communications are challenged but we managed to narrow the location of the disabled vessel,” Unit Commander Van Der Wijngaart said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew was assembled at the request of Marine Area Command and rescue vessel Port Stephens 31 deployed.
“Our crew reached the stranded fishermen in just under one and a half hours.
“The disabled vessel had been drifting south, southeast putting them 35 nautical miles off Port Stephens Heads.
“Visibility was hampered because of sea spray.
“The PS 31 crew checked the welfare of the two men on board the disabled vessel before taking their boat under tow for the journey back to Port Stephens which took almost eight hours.
“The rescue vessel travelled back at under six knots because of sea conditions and occasional larger swell sets.
“It was a long, slow and uncomfortable haul back,” Inspector Raymond said.
The two fishermen and their disabled vessel were returned to Port Stephens at 2am this morning (10 July).
The Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander said the rescue mission was complicated by the distance and intermittent contact with the disabled vessel.
“The crew did an incredible job with the communications limitations we experienced.
“Locating the disabled vessel as quickly as they did was outstanding.
“Our crew and radio operators have enjoyed a well-earned sleep in today after a tiring rescue mission,” Unit Commander Van Der Wijngaart said.
Inspector Raymond said the skipper of the disabled vessel had Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW, ensuring the service’s radio operators kept watch over their journey.
“It is important that all boaters Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie are currently searching for a boater reported missing in waters near Swansea Bridge.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said the search began last night with NSW Police Marine Area Command tasking rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 30 around 8pm on Saturday 6 July.
“A crew from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie spent more than three hours searching waters last night.
“The multi-agency search recommenced early this morning, Sunday 7 July, with four Marine Rescue NSW assets deployed at approximately 7.30am.
“Volunteer crews on board rescue vessels Lake Macquarie 30, Lake Macquarie 20 and rescue water craft Lake Macquarie 12 and Lake Macquarie 13 are on water searching under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Greenslade 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.
Volunteer crews on board Bermagui 30 and Narooma 30 were deployed to assist a vessel located approximately 10 nautical miles (18km) south east off Bermagui.
The vessels were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command after an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) was activated earlier today.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Bermagui 30 and Narooma 30 departed for the mission at approximately 10am.
“Volunteers headed out in 2.5 metre swells to the location broadcast by the EPIRB.
“Commercial vessels in the vicinity were also alerted to the emergency situation.
“Upon arrival, crews on board Bermagui 30 observed an overturned fishing vessel.
“Fortunately, the boaters on board the capsized vessel had been safely retrieved by a commercial vessel.
“The boaters were returned to shore for medical assessment,” Inspector 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.
More than 25 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have practiced their skills alongside members of NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW during a Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) in Sydney Harbour today.
Three Marine Rescue NSW vessels from Port Jackson and Middle Harbour units departed their respective bases this morning after being tasked to a simulated incident coordinated by Marine Area Command.
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said the real-time exercise involved a capsized vessel off Dobroyd Head, drifting towards Balmoral, with multiple people in the water requiring urgent assistance.
“Volunteer crews were deployed from their respective units just after 8.30am and requested to undertake an inshore search in Middle Harbour.
“This simulated response is exactly how Marine Rescue NSW vessels and crews would be tasked in a real emergency and this exercise was run to ensure we test our deployment, communication and multi-agency response,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
The on-water response was supported by volunteer radio operators at the Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre at Belrose and officers from Marine Area Command at Balmain.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Ryan Spong said there were two search areas, inshore in Middle Harbour and offshore near Bondi Beach, with Marine Rescue NSW crews tasked to the inshore search.
“The inshore search area was defined using a variety of drift calculations and was bounded by Grotto Point to Middle Head, extending up to Clontarf.
“The objective was to find five manikins in the water along with floating debris.
“The search was complicated by unfavourable conditions reducing visibility,” he said.
Sergeant Spong said PolAir, NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter Service and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter also provided aerial assistance to the on-water response.
“During a live multi-agency search and rescue operation multiple agencies and assets are committed and exercises like today help to iron out any deficiencies, look at communication and build relationships with partner agencies.
“All targets in this morning’s exercise were located during a thorough three hour search.
“The inshore search crews located two manikins, one at Balmoral and another at Clontarf Beach.
“PolAir located two manikins offshore in the Bondi area which were retrieved and transferred to NSW SLS crews on shore.
“The final manikin was found by Westpac Life Saver Helicopter two nautical miles off Maroubra.
“Casualties were conveyed to Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Bondi Surf Club to awaiting NSW Ambulance paramedics.” Sergeant Spong said.
Zone Commander Duemmer highlighted the crucial role volunteer radio operators from the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre played in today’s simulated exercise.
“The scenario provided an excellent opportunity for our volunteers to practice their skills.
“Radio is where the ocean meets the land and it is vital for us to have effective communications with our vessels, multi-agency partners and the public on the water.
“We thank all our partner agencies for taking part in today’s exercise, we know the learnings will strengthen the operational response when we are tasked to an emergency,” he said.
The NSW Government provided financial assistance for the Greater Sydney SAREX as part of its commitment to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 30 was tasked by Marine Area Command this morning to search for a reported missing boat with two people on board.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said Lake Macquarie 30 began the search at 7:50am.
“Two people went fishing on a small vessel late last night and reportedly failed to return after launching from Blacksmiths boat ramp.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are searching from Swansea Heads south to Norah Head.
“Offshore conditions are currently somewhat favourable,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Merimbula have responded to multiple calls for assistance this morning (11 March 2024) including from a vessel at risk of sinking off Tathra.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a volunteer crew on board Merimbula 31 was returning to base after completing a rescue half a kilometre off Middle Beach when they were contacted by a skipper whose vessel was taking on water.
“The crew safely returned three anglers to South Merimbula boat ramp and their vessel after it suffered mechanical failure earlier this morning.
“Shortly after 10am, Radio Operators at Marine Rescue Merimbula took a request for assistance from a man on board a 36 foot flybridge cruiser that was taking on water north of Tathra.
“This incident was a PAN PAN and Merimbula 31 was immediately deployed to assist.
“Following an initial assessment of the situation, the skipper of the distressed vessel was supplied with an emersion pump to assist with removing water from inside the vessel.
“He was also wearing a lifejacket and had an EPIRB and flares ready to activate if required.
“MB 31 shadowed the distressed vessel north towards Bermagui as the harbour has slipway facilities.
“MB 31 and the distressed vessel were met by volunteers from Marine Rescue Bermagui on board BG 30.
“The response was transferred to the Bermagui crew who will shadow the vessel into harbour.
“The distressed vessel is still taking on water but the ingress is being managed.
“Because of the care that must be taken to get this vessel back to harbour, we expect the mission to take at least another two hours with an ETA just after 4pm,” Inspector Sullivan said.
During the joint response from Marine Rescue Merimbula and Bermagui, Marine Rescue NSW was requested by Marine Area Command to search for a 4.4 metre runabout, which capsized off Haycock Point this morning.
“Thankfully the two persons on board made it to shore themselves and have been retrieved by rescue helicopter,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Merimbula 31 began searching for the overturned vessel on Merimbula Bay but the boat has since washed up on the northern side of Haycock Point.
“The dedication, professionalism and teamwork shown by our volunteers from the Merimbula and Bermagui units has been exceptional,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Jackson and Middle Harbour were deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Port Jackson 31 this morning to assist Marine Area Command with a multi-agency search for a missing swimmer off Bronte.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said the volunteer crew on board Port Jackson 31 joined the search off Bronte at 8am.
“Port Jackson 31 conducted multiple legs of a parallel line search with Water Police vessels from Ben Buckler Point in the north to Botany Bay Heads in the south.
“Conditions were fair offshore this morning with a 1.5 metre swell and a moderate northeasterly wind but they are expected to deteriorate across the day.
“PJ 31 began returning to base at 11:30am.
“Marine Rescue NSW crews are on standby to assist further with the search should our volunteers be required by Marine Area Command,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla conducted a contour search on Burrill Lake this afternoon after an unmanned four to five metre runabout was located near Kings Point.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a volunteer crew on board Ulladulla 10 spent more than an hour on water searching.
“Under the direction of Marine Area Command our crews searched the waters around where the unmanned vessel was found but did not locate anything out of the ordinary.
“The UL 10 crew was stood down at 4:20pm and has now returned to base.
“We understand that there have been no reports of a missing person,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW urges all boat owners to check that their vessel is moored correctly.
“Ropes age with the weather and can become brittle, please check the condition of your lines so that your vessel remains secure,” Inspector Massey said.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Ulladulla has been deployed to search waters on Burrill Lake after an unmanned tinny was located this afternoon with fishing gear on board.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said NSW Police Marine Area Command tasked rescue vessel Ulladulla 10 just before 2:30pm.
“A crew from Marine Rescue Ulladulla will search waters west of the bridge near Kings Point.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will conduct a contour search of the area on board Ulladulla 10 which is designed specifically to access shallow waters close to shore,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW vessels Coffs Harbour 30, Trial Bay 30 and two-rescue watercraft from Marine Rescue Trial Bay have been stood down by Marine Area Command from the multi-agency search for two paddleboarders believed to be missing off Nambucca Heads.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said conditions have deteriorated in the area and the crews were stood down at 10:15am.
“Conditions were challenging for our volunteer crews with 25 knot winds combined with a one and a half metre swell.
“Coffs Harbour 30 and Trial Bay 30 resumed the search at 8:00am after spending a few hours searching last night.
“They were supported on-water this morning by rescue watercraft TB 11 and TB 12 and conducted a parallel line search from Nambucca Heads to South West Rocks.
“The professionalism and commitment displayed by our volunteers both on-water and in radio operations last night and again this morning has been exceptional.
“Our crews have returned to base and awaiting further instructions from Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Botany Hacking 30 was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command last night after an EPIRB was activated by a distressed vessel with three people on board off the Illawarra Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said a five to six metre centre console boat reported it was sinking approximately half-a-nautical mile (1km) east of the Sea Cliff Bridge at Stanwell Park.
“Botany Hacking 30 was deployed just after 7:00pm.
“The BH 30 crew with the support of radio operators from the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre headed to the location in fading light to provide assistance.
“Our rescue vessel was closing in on the distressed boat but it thankfully made its way to Bellambi boat ramp unaided.
“The movement of the distressed vessel slowed the intake of water allowing it to get back shore.
“If the situation deteriorated our volunteer crew was well positioned to assist the three people on board the distressed vessel.
“When offshore it is important to have an EPIRB on board and depending on the distance a boater is travelling it is a legal requirement to carry one.
“Activating an EPIRB emits a continuous distinctive radio distress signal for up to 48 hours which aids Emergency Services to coordinate a rescue response.
“An EPIRB is an important lifesaving tool and should only ever be used when a person is in grave and imminent danger which was the case last night,” Inspector Greenslade said.
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.
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 volunteers on board rescue vessels Narooma 30, Tuross 21 and Batemans Bay 30 are searching for a missing swimmer off Congo Beach, on the state’s south coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan ESM said volunteer crews were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command around 3.30pm this afternoon.
“Earlier today, a swimmer was reported missing off Congo Beach.
“Rescue vessels Narooma 30, Tuross 21 and Batemans Bay 30 have been deployed and are conducting a coastal contour line search off Congo Beach in fair sea conditions.
“The search will continue until last light tonight, crews are on standby to continue the search tomorrow, if required,“ Inspector Sullivan 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.
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.
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 NSW volunteers are assisting NSW Police Marine Area Command in a search for a swimmer reported missing off Stockton Beach.
The search commenced on Sunday 26 November with rescue vessels Newcastle 30 and Port Stephens 31tasked to assist in a parallel line search for the missing person.
Rescue vessel Port Stephens 30 joined Port Stephens 31 and Newcastle 30 on the water on Monday 27 November. Sea conditions were favourable with swells 1 to 1.5 metres. Volunteer crews on board the vessels continued the search until they were stood down in the afternoon.
On the morning of Tuesday 28 November rescue vessel Lemon Tree 30joinedPort Stephens 30 and Port Stephens 31 on the water. Volunteer crews on board the three vessels are currently conducting a parallel line search off Stockton Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel 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 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.
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.
Over 100 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff from the Monaro and Illawarra regions teamed up with NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW for a major Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) at Batemans Bay over the weekend.
The SAREX scenario was held to test rescuers capability, multi-agency teamwork and communication in responding to a simulated emergency situation in offshore conditions.
Sergeant Russel Agland from Marine Area Command said the weekend’s training scenario involved an overturned vessel located east of Point Upright.
“A Water Police vessel, WP25 was deployed offshore to investigate whereupon it was ascertained there were four missing persons.
“There were two search areas, with assets divided equally across those search areas running grid search patterns looking for the people.
The emergency response scenario involved nine Marine Rescue NSW vessels from Batemans Bay, Kioloa, Ulladulla, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula and Tuross Moruya, two Marine Rescue NSW rescue water craft (RWC) along with IRB and RWC assets from Surf Life Saving NSW, Water Police vessel and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Marine Rescue NSW Zone Commander Mike Hammond said members of the multi-agency response used their skills and experience to locate the targets swiftly.
“The outcome was successful, we had mannequins at sea that our crews had to find, and they’ve done that.
“They ran really tight, good grid pattern searches, which is what we train them to do.
“It’s been a really successful day in terms of the communication between vessels and between agencies as well.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Hammond said while the on-water exercise was taking place, over 25 other Marine Rescue NSW Radio Operators and staff participated in a Search and Rescue Desktop Exercise.
“We’ve had a great exercise with a number of vessels out on the water and quite a few members involved in a desktop exercise.
“These exercises are really important to developing our members’ skills and it gives them the opportunity to address any gaps in their knowledge and ask questions in a simulated exercise, rather than when there is a real incident unfolding.
“It’s a great opportunity to make sure when that day comes, we’re ready for it,” said Inspector Hammond.
A multi-agency search is underway in the state’s north for a swimmer who had reportedly entered the water at Tallow Beach, Byron Bay and after being seen in distress, failed to resurface.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said rescue vessel Brunswick 30 was deployed on Saturday afternoon following a request from NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crew is conducting a parallel line search off the coast of Byron Bay.
“They are searching south from Cosy Corner, Tallows Beach.” Inspected Page said.
The search resumed this morning with three Marine Rescue NSW rescue vessels and two Marine Rescue NSW rescue watercraft (jet skis) joining Marine Area Command vessel WP27 and Surf Life Saving assets.
Inspector Page said the additional on water assets will help cover the expanded search area.
“Rescue vessels Point Danger 31 and Ballina 30 have joined Brunswick 30 in today’s search off Tallow Beach.
“Volunteer crews on the vessels will conduct a parallel line search from Cape Byron in the north to Ballina in the south.
“Rescue watercraft (RWCs) Brunswick 11 and Brunswick 12 will search alongside Surf Life Saving skis in all surf zones and close to shore areas in the region.”
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 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.
