Another two Marine Rescue NSW units are taking delivery of their brand new rescue vessels, giving them greater capability to respond to emergencies on the water.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla’s new $565,000 10 metre mono-hulled Naiad vessel, Port Kembla 31, has arrived at its new home on Port Kembla Harbour in the Illawarra.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie is today taking delivery of a 6.7 metre Naiad, Port Macquarie 21.
They follow the recent delivery of Marine Rescue Evans Head’s new 10m Naiad, Evans Head 31, which is the Port Kembla boat’s twin, with the pair built in tandem by Yamba Welding & Engineering. The new Jervis Bay 41 will be arriving on its new home waters imminently.
Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said all four boats were among 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year State Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
He said the outstanding vessels, all purpose-designed and built to meet local operating conditions, were a valuable investment in the safety of the large local boating communities and visiting boaters in the Illawarra, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley 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.
“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.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said the new Port Macquarie boat provided a welcome boost to the safety of local and visiting boaters and the unit’s volunteers.
“Built by Yamba Welding & Engineering on the NSW North Coast and powered by twin 140HP Suzuki outboards, Port Macquarie 21 boasts a range of critical search and rescue technology and equipment while offering crews greater manoeuvrability and reliability, “she said.
“Boating is an increasingly popular pastime on our local waterways, with a record number of boaters hitting the water last summer. Our many local and visiting boaters can rest easier knowing that this vessel stands ready to assist them should they run into trouble.”
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies said the vessel was a significant upgrade over the unit’s current boat.
“With a 50 per cent increase in carrying capacity, more shelter and enhanced endurance, our volunteers will be able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.”
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