A new replacement vessel for Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie has undergone a successful sea trial at Yamba on the state’s Northern Rivers.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said the new Lake Macquarie 31 is an 8.5 metre Naiad built by Yamba Welding and Engineering.
“LM 31 is a pleasure to operate and will enhance search and rescue response at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie which is the busiest of our 46 units across New South Wales,” he said.
The new vessel replaces the unit’s former 7.5 metre Sailfish CAT and features and an axe head bow capable of heavy bar crossings, a full Raymarine suite of navigation equipment, FLIR (forward looking infrared camera) radar and sonar.
“This vessel will provide lifesaving capability both offshore and on enclosed waters.
“She has excellent manoeuvrability and will compliment Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s existing 10 metre Naiad LM 30 and two rescue watercraft (jet skis),” Parkin said.
Lake Macquarie 31 is powered by twin Suzuki 250 horsepower outboard engines.
“It has a nice cruising speed of 20 to 30 knots and a top speed of about 42 knots so it can respond quickly but also stay on the water for long periods of time,” Parkin said.
Lake Macquarie 31 will be transported to Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie by truck and is expected to be delivered to the unit by the end of the month.
The NSW Government has contributed to the cost of this vessel to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
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