Comments Off on Preparedness pays off in EPIRB activation in the Shoalhaven
A signal from an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) triggered a multi-agency response earlier today, Wednesday 14 January.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the alarm was raised from a 10-metre cabin cruiser located approximately nine nautical miles (16.5km) north-east of Beecroft Peninsula.
“Shortly before 11am today, volunteers from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay and Marine Rescue Shoalhaven were tasked to assist a vessel taking on water off the coast of Currajong.
“Volunteer crews were deployed on board rescue vessels Shoalhaven 30 and Jervis Bay 41.
“Volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay maintained communication with the skipper of the sinking vessel.
“The skipper advised he had self-evacuated the vessel and was floating in a life raft,” Inspector Massey said.
The man was winched to safety by a rescue helicopter while crews on board Shoalhaven 30 retrieved the life raft. Jervis Bay 41 continued to search for the unoccupied vessel, however it could not be located.
“This incident highlights the importance of carrying the correct safety equipment on board.
“An EPIRB is a life-saving piece of equipment, and today it did exactly that – it saved a life.
“Boaters should always ensure they are properly prepared before they hit the water.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews continue search for rock fisherman believed to be missing off Bushrangers Bay
Almost a dozen Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Port Kembla units are continuing to assist in the multi-agency search for a missing rock fisherman last seen at Bushrangers Bay, Shell Cove, on Monday afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said two Marine Rescue NSW vessels, supported by radio operators from the Port Kembla unit, resumed the search at 8.00 am today.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Shoalhaven 30 is conducting a coastal search from Black Rock off Gerroa north to Bass Point.
“Shellharbour 30 is performing a parallel line search alongside a Water Police vessel.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews are searching areas under the direction of Marine Area Command.
“A north-easterly is starting to whip up, which will make it uncomfortable for our crews, but they will continue searching until instructed otherwise,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW crews assist search for rock fisherman believed to be missing off Bushrangers Bay
Volunteers and vessels from Marine Rescue Shellharbour and Shoalhaven are assisting a multi-agency search for a rock fisherman believed to be missing off Bushrangers Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said volunteer crews were requested by the NSW Police Marine Area Command to commence an on-water search south of Bushrangers Bay at 8.30 this morning.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Shellharbour 30 and Shoalhaven 30 are conducting a parallel line search from Bombo down to Black Head, off Gerroa.
“Conditions are favourable offshore and both Marine Rescue NSW vessels will continue searching until instructed otherwise by Marine Area Command,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW awards Life Membership to three exceptional volunteers
Three outstanding volunteers were today (Saturday 22 November, 2025) awarded Marine Rescue NSW Life Membership at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in Cronulla, recognising their exceptional commitment, leadership and service. The awarding of Marine Rescue NSW Life Membership is among the highest honours, reserved for individuals whose contribution has shaped both their units and the wider organisation.
Marine Rescue NSW Chair Nola Watson commended the three recipients – Frances (Margaret) Teal of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie, William (Bill) Blakeman ESM of Marine Rescue Merimbula, and Marine Rescue Shoalhaven’s Bruce Mitchell ESM – describing them as “the very best of what the organisation stands for.”
“Margaret, Bill and Bruce have each given significant service marked by professionalism, compassion and a commitment to the safety of others,” Watson said. “Their leadership has strengthened our units, uplifted our volunteers and enhanced the confidence of boating communities across the state.”
For Frances (Margaret) Teal, today’s Life Membership marks the culmination of an extraordinary 35 years of volunteer service. At 95, she is one of Marine Rescue NSW’s longest-serving female volunteers. Beginning with the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1991, Margaret brought an unwavering passion for training and education, particularly in First Aid, where she trained and assessed generations of volunteers.
Her leadership as Divisional Commander during the transition to Marine Rescue NSW, and later as the first Unit Commander of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie, helped lay the foundations for one of the state’s busiest units. She continues to serve operationally as a Watch Officer at the unit and remains a mentor to new members entering the radio stream.
“Margaret’s commitment over more than three decades has had a profound influence on her unit and on Marine Rescue NSW more broadly,” Watson said. “Her example reminds us of the power of quiet, steady leadership and the impact of helping others build their skills and confidence.”
Bill Blakeman’s 17 years with Marine Rescue NSW follow a lifelong maritime career spanning the British Merchant Navy, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and senior roles with NSW maritime authorities. Since joining the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 2007 and transitioning into Marine Rescue NSW two years later, he has played a central role in shaping the Merimbula unit’s capability, culture and operational readiness.
As Unit Commander and long-serving Training Officer, Bill has guided countless volunteers through their qualifications, instilling high standards and ensuring safe, cohesive rescue operations. His efforts to secure a second rescue vessel for enclosed waters, upgrade critical infrastructure and maintain strong financial foundations have transformed the unit into one of the most capable and community-engaged in the region.
Blakeman was awarded the Emergency Services Medal in 2022 and received the NSW Maritime Medal the following year.
Chair Watson commended the personal impact of Blakeman’s leadership. “Bill’s dedication has inspired generations of volunteers. His calm teaching style, his depth of knowledge and his absolute commitment to safety have contributed directly to lives saved on the water.”
Bruce Mitchell’s 25 years of continuous service have been defined by reliability, measured leadership and steadfast support for volunteers across the Illawarra. Joining the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard in 2001 after retiring from business, Bruce quickly emerged as a trusted leader, guiding the organisation locally through the transition to Marine Rescue NSW.
From 2009 to 2022, Bruce managed operations across the Illawarra region, providing regional oversight, interagency coordination and volunteer support. Bruce’s calm management during complex search and rescue missions and his consistent presence for volunteers earned him wide respect across partner agencies and government.
Following his retirement from staff service, Bruce returned as a volunteer, serving as Unit Commander at Shoalhaven and continuing as a mentor and Watch Officer.
Mitchell was awarded the NSW Maritime Medal in 2009 and was recognised on the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours list with the Emergency Services Medal.
Watson said his contribution reflected “a rare degree of consistency and integrity.” “Bruce has been a point of stability for volunteers and an asset to every unit and agency he has worked alongside. His service has strengthened the capability, reliability and public confidence of Marine Rescue NSW,” she said.
Across their varied journeys, Margaret, Bill and Bruce share a deep commitment to their communities and to the volunteers they have trained, mentored and supported. Their years of service have saved lives, strengthened units and contributed to the growth and professionalism of Marine Rescue NSW.
“These three Life Members are deeply valued,” Watson said. “Their influence will continue well beyond their years of active service, through the volunteers they have inspired and the safer waterways they have helped create. Marine Rescue NSW is stronger because of them.”
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Shoalhaven volunteers honoured for lifesaving mission
Ten volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven have been formally recognised for their dedication to saving lives on the water and serving the local boating community during a ceremony at the Greenwell Point RSL Community Hall.
Among the honours were the Zone Commander’s Citation and the Unit Commander’s Medal, awarded to volunteers who responded to a vessel fire on the Crookhaven River at Greenwell Point on 23 August 2025. In a courageous operation, the team rescued a lone boater from a burning vessel and assisted the NSW Rural Fire Service in extinguishing the blaze.
Seven volunteers who responded to the incident were recognised for their action; vessel crew members Mark Asper, Trevor Davies, Trevor Williamson and Joe Sciancalepore, and radio operators Sue Cook, Rob Rego and Barry Waters.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan recounted the incident: “It was a lucky escape for a solo boater whose vessel caught fire shortly after 10 o’clock that morning. Our volunteer crew on board SA 30, observed the 11–12 metre sailing vessel ablaze while patrolling the Shoalhaven River. The crew immediately instructed the person on board to evacuate. The lone sailor jumped overboard and was safely retrieved from the water by SA 30 crew. She was suffering from smoke inhalation and suspected hypothermia and was transported to shore and met by NSW Ambulance paramedics.”
With the vessel still ablaze, firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service were called to assist. “Once the boater was safely on shore, the SA 30 crew ferried RFS personnel and a portable water pump to the vessel. Firefighters then extinguished the blaze,” Inspector Sullivan added.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond praised the volunteers involved, “The professionalism of our crew and radio operators during this mission was exceptional. The quick thinking, timely action and casualty care given by the master and crew of SA 30, along with coordination from the radio base, were critical to the positive outcome of what could have been a tragic incident.”
The ceremony also recognised three other long-serving volunteers:
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven vessel Master Paul Poulsen received the National Medal for 15 years of service, acknowledging long and diligent service in protecting or assisting the community in emergencies. Watch Officer John Majewski was awarded the Marine Rescue NSW Medal for 10 years of service while crew member Syd Davis received his third National Medal Clasp for 45 years of combined service.
“Marine Rescue NSW and the Shoalhaven community are fortunate to have such highly skilled and dedicated volunteers,” said Zone Commander Hammond. “I congratulate and thank them for their unwavering commitment to service.”
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven is actively recruiting new volunteers, particularly radio operators. Trainees receive comprehensive training and uniforms free of charge. Radio operators play a crucial role as the first voice a boater in distress hears, managing communications that are vital to emergency response. Interested individuals can contact the unit base on (02) 4447 4466.
Comments Off on New base for Marine Rescue Shoalhaven announced
Earlier this week, it was announced that Marine Rescue Shoalhaven will be the proud recipient of $2,068,884 from the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program.
The project will include the construction of a purpose-designed, state-of-the-art emergency services base and training facility. The building will also be designed for wider community use, including hosting meetings, workshops and functions.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said:
“We are proud to support groups like the Marine Rescue NSW in their important work keeping our communities safe, and it’s pleasing to see that the new facility will be one for whole of community use.”
Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:
“This investment in Marine Rescue Services is great news for the local boating community and the community more broadly.
“It’s vital that Marine Rescue NSW has the resources to be able to provide their life-saving services. This funding will ensure they are able to continue this great work.
“The new base will serve as a vital hub for emergency services, significantly improving response times to maritime incidents in the region and providing safer experiences for visitors.
“It’s great to see the NSW Government backing projects that help young people get skilled, support tourism and build stronger connections across our community.”
“We’re grateful for the support of the NSW Government and the investment it’s making not only in our volunteers, but also in the boating community in the region.
“So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Shoalhaven have completed more than 50 search and rescue missions, safely returning just over 100 people to shore.”
Pictured: Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Unit Commander Marty Kaye, Member for South Coast, Liza Butler, Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty and Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner, Todd Andrews
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Shoalhaven crew respond to vessel on fire
It was a lucky escape for a solo boater whose vessel caught fire shortly after 10am today, Saturday 23 August.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven observed a 11-12 metre sailing vessel on fire while patrolling the Shoalhaven River.
“The crew on board SA 30 instructed the person on board the distressed vessel to evacuate.
“The lone sailor jumped overboard and was safely retrieved from the water by SA 30 crew.
“The sailor was suffering from smoke inhalation and suspected hypothermia and was transported to shore to meet NSW Ambulance paramedics,” Inspector Sullivan said.
With the vessel still up in flames, firefighters from the local NSW Rural Fire Service brigade were contacted to assist.
“Once the boater was safely on shore, the SA 30 crew picked up local RFS firefighters and a portable water pump.
“Firefighters were taken to the vessel and continued efforts to control the blaze.
“By 1.30pm, the fire was extinguished and Marine Rescue NSW crews were stood down.
“NSW RFS crews placed booms around the vessel to contain any contaminants from the fire,” 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 NSW crews assist multi-agency search for missing fisherman off southern Sydney
Marine Rescue NSW vessels and volunteers from the Shellharbour and Shoalhaven units are today assisting a multi-agency search for a missing fisherman off southern Sydney.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteer radio operators from the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre were tasked last night (Tuesday 12 August) with conducting numerous radio calls in an attempt to contact the fisherman, which went unanswered.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel crews were placed on standby overnight and deployed this morning at the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were deployed on board Shellharbour 30 and Shoalhaven 30 and began searching at 8:30am today (Wednesday 13 August).
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels are conducting a parallel line search along with a NSW Water Police boat.
“The search area extends from 15 nautical miles (28 km) off Port Kembla seaward.
“Conditions are favourable for an offshore search this morning.
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels and crews will continue searching until instructed otherwise by Marine Area Command,” he said.
Inspector Massey is encouraging all boaters always to Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW, either via VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue app.
“Logging On ensures our skilled radio operators keep watch for a boater’s safe return.
“It is also crucial that boaters enable the position update option when using the app — doing so means our rescue crews can respond faster and with greater accuracy, which could save your life,” Inspector Massey said.
Comments Off on Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW have been stood down for the day from the search for a missing 60-year-old man in Windang
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.
Comments Off on More Marine Rescue NSW crews added to resume multi-agency search for missing 60-year-old man in Windang
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.
