Hunter Central Coast
On Feb 21, 2025

Marine Rescue Newcastle crew completes lengthy overnight rescue mission

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Newcastle have safely returned two people to shore after their 13.5 metre yacht lost steering 18 nautical miles (33km) off Newcastle.
 
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre answered a call for assistance just before 7pm last night, Thursday 20 February.
 
“The skipper of the distressed vessel advised Marine Rescue Sydney that they had lost steering and needed assistance to return to Newcastle Harbour.
 
“At the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue Newcastle assembled a crew of volunteer members and deployed rescue vessel Newcastle 30 around 8pm.
 
“Conditions were challenging throughout the entire mission with the Newcastle 30 crew battling one and a half to two metre swells” he said.
 
Newcastle 30 reached the distressed vessel just after 10pm and secured a towline before making the trip back to Newcastle Harbour.
 
“The return trip was a slow three hour operation because of the conditions, with Newcastle 30 travelling at three to four knots.
 
Newcastle 30 safely manoeuvred the distressed vessel and its crew to a mooring.
 
“Our radio operators at Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre also did an exceptional job managing communications for the rescue mission,” Inspector Raymond said.
 

Latest News

Hunter Central Coast
On Apr 30, 2025

Marine Rescue Newcastle crew complete late-night assist in challenging offshore conditions

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...

Hunter Central Coast
On Apr 29, 2025

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers to hone skills in major South Coast training exercise

More than 80 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the South Coast will take part in a simulated live activation, real-time, multi-agency search and rescue exercise (SAREX) this Saturday (3 May). Seven...