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What would I have done without them?
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla did not hesitate to go to the aid of members of the community suffering in the bushfires that ripped along the coastline for weeks from early December, 2019.
The unit has been applauded for its Good Samaritan missions on board Ulladulla 20 to save five children who had fled to the safety of the beachfront and ship essential supplies to a desperate community ravaged by a massive inferno.
MRNSW crews were on high alert in the first week of Decemember as the Currowan fire burnt through the area between Batemans Bay and Ulladulla.
On December 5, Ulladulla Unit Commander David Hall and Allan Brooknavigated through choking smoke and poor visibility to evacuate the children who had left home to seek refuge on the sand at Bawley Point.
UC Hall said the unit had initially been requested to transport water and medical supplies to fire crews protecting property at Bawley Point before being alerted to the youngsters on the beach.
He said the smoke had made it difficult to breathe and had significantly limited visibility on the water as UL 20 headed south.
“We were half a mile off Bawley Point and we couldn’t see land. The conditions were a bit rough, too,” he said.
He said the children, three younger girls and two older boys, had been aged between six and 14 years.
After the crew unloaded the supplies for the firefighters, the children were taken on board, fitted with lifejackets and placed in the cabin for the return journey to UIladulla.
The mother of four, who was the aunt of the fifth, also decided to make the trip.
The vessel was met by a waiting NSW Ambulance to check the group’s condition before they headed for an evacuation centre in Ulladulla.
Sandra Zerafa later thanked the crew.
“They saved my family from the fires. Allan and Dave I commend you. I love you all so much,” she said. “What would I have done without them. I (am) forever in their favour and debt. God please help our emergency personnel to get through this time. You’re all amazing.”
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