Comments Off on Marine Rescue Shellharbour and Jervis Bay crews to join search for missing anglers off Kiama
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Port Kembla crew deployed to search for rock fishers believed to be missing off Kiama
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet crew saves teen kayaker on St Georges Basin
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Port Stephens crew saves fishermen stranded 65 kilometres offshore
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie crews assist in multi-agency search near Swansea
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Bermagui and Narooma volunteers deployed to assist in offshore rescue
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW volunteers complete major Search and Rescue Exercise in Sydney Harbour
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie crew searching for missing boat south of Swansea Heads
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.
Comments Off on Manic Monday for Marine Rescue Merimbula
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crew assists search for missing swimmer off Bronte
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Ulladulla crew concludes Burrill Lake search
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Ulladulla crew tasked for search on Burrill Lake
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews stood down from multi-agency search off Nambucca Heads
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crew responds to sinking vessel off Illawarra Coast
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews resume search for missing swimmer off Congo Beach
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews continue search for missing swimmer off Congo Beach
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews searching for missing swimmer off Congo Beach
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes crew complete lifesaving rescue on Budgewoi Lake
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Bermagui and Narooma crews stood down for the day from Haywards Beach search
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews resume multi-agency search at Haywards Beach
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews to resume multi-agency search north of Bermagui on Wednesday morning
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews assist search after boat washes up on South Coast beach
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews assist in search for missing swimmer off Newcastle
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Shellharbour crew completes thorough night search off Windang Island following reported flare sighting
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crew stood down from search for missing swimming off Illawarra Coast
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews searching for missing swimmer off Fairy Meadow stood down for the day
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Port Macquarie assists multi-agency search for missing person
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crew assisting with search for missing helicopter off Port Stephens
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.
Comments Off on Search and Rescue exercise at Batemans Bay tests skills of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers
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.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews searching for missing swimmer off Byron Bay
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
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW assists with search for missing boaters on Lake Eucumbene
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.
