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.