Crews from Marine Rescue Evans Head would be able to respond faster to an emergency on the water with the delivery of their new $556,000 rescue vessel, Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said today.
Mr Elliott said the 10 metre mono-hulled Naiad vessel, Evans Head 31, had arrived at its new home on the waters of the Evans River on the NSW North Coast.
“Evans Head 31 is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year NSW State Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the North Coast’s large local boating community and its many visiting boaters.“As well as operating on the river, the boat can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the boat, purpose-designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions, was a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“The new boat has already proved its worth, rescuing a boater stranded offshore after their vessel ran out of fuel,” he said.“Boaters on our beautiful waterways can rest easier knowing that this state of the art craft is at the ready should they run into trouble.
“Built locally by Yamba Welding & Engineering, and powered by twin 300hp Suzuki Marine outboards, this new rescue vessel represents a significant boost for local jobs and our regional economy, as well as the safety of boaters.”
Marine Rescue Evans Head Unit Commander Ken Exley thanked the local community for its generous support for the unit’s energetic fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
He said the vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former boat.
After a decade of loyal service to our local boating community, responding around the clock to bring boaters in trouble safely back to shore, Evans Head 30 has retired for a quieter life as a fishing and dive boat on Queensland waters. Evans Head 31 led its predecessor across the bar for the last time last month (above).
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board including radar, sonar and FLIR night vision will improve our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives here on the coastline,” he said.
“With a greater rear deck area, larger windows for better visibility, improved handling and manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort, our crews will be able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.
“With boating continuing to grow in popularity on the North Coast, this new boat provides boaters, sailors and other water craft users with the reassurance that a professionally equipped and trained emergency service is looking out for them.”
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