Volunteers saving lives on the water

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW | Issue 42, Autumn 2020

SUMMER IN ASHES State’s bushfire crisis brings out our best THEN CAME THE RAIN Storms, flooding cause havoc on water KEEPING U SAFE First trial of new rescue tech

PLUS: Lives lost & saved | Setting sail for Lord Howe | VHF safety choice

CONTENTS Issue 42 | Autumn 2020

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW

Cover Image THE HELM Good Samaritan mission ... Ulladulla 20 arrives on the Bawley Point 2 • Commissioner’s report beachfront to resupply firefighters and evacuate five children who had sought 4 • Chair’s report refuge on the sand from the huge Currowan fire.Photo: Julie Langlois. ON THE RADAR 3 • Lives saved among summer coastal tragedies Publisher 5 • Win a VHF radio: make every journey safer Marine Rescue NSW • New Year marks new decade of operations 202 Nicholson Parade 6 • Committing ourselves to be #EachforEqual Cronulla NSW 2230 7 • Aussie-first trial of device to keep U SAFE Contact 9 • Full steam ahead for new Lord Howe unit Kate Woods • Get training and sign up for 2020 Games Phone: 02 8071 4848 11 • Three new staff have seen life on both sides Email: [email protected] 12 • Boat builder looks to international expansion • Added equipment to support crew safety Design and Layout 13 • Eyes up for joint offshore training exercise Nicole Brown • Nominate a selfless hero for Rotary awards Advertising 14 • Blue water staff take on Hobart challenge Graham Joss 15 • On the frontline of the big summer events Email: [email protected] THE SUMMER THAT WASN’T Phone: 0419 492 836 17-29 • A Special Report saluting the MRNSW family in fire & rain Printing MAKING WAVES Ligare Book Printers 32-34 Northern Rivers News Head office: 138-152 Bonds Road, Riverwood NSW 2210 • Evans Head • Cape Byron • Ballina Marine Rescue NSW is pleased to acknowledge the invaluable support of our • Point Danger • Wooli • Brunswick Soundings advertisers. 35-38 Mid North Coast News © Copyright Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales. Reproduction in • Trial Bay • Woolgoolga • Camden Haven whole or in part prohibited without permission of the publisher. • Forster-Tuncurry • Nambucca • Port Macquarie • Coffs Harbour Marine Rescue NSW encourages the use of Soundings articles on boating 39-43 Hunter/Central Coast News safety. Permission to use and supply of relevant images can be obtained • Tuggerah Lakes • Newcastle • Norah Head from the publisher. • Lake Macquarie • Container clean-up • Central Coast • Port Stephens 44-47 Greater Sydney News • Hawkesbury • Broken Bay • Terrey Hills • Middle Harbour • Cottage Point • Botany Port Hacking • Port Jackson 49-51 Illawarra News • Shoalhaven • Port Kembla • Kioloa MARINE RESCUE NSW • Ulladulla • Sussex Inlet • Jervis Bay Volunteers saving lives on the water 52-56 Monaro News • Narooma • Merimbula • Eden Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales • Moama • Bermagui • Tuross ABN 98 138 078 092 • Alpine Lakes PO Box 579 PICTURE GALLERY Cronulla NSW 2230 31, 57 • What we’ve been up to Phone: 02 8071 4848 Fax: 02 9969 5214 Email: [email protected] IN MEMORIAM, FEEDBACK 58-60 • Tributes to valued members & Who said what

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 1 THE HELM Official business

From the Commissioner Pride in our people’s response to bushfire crisis and emergencies on the water.

his has been a hard, hard their activities for the peak season, will continue to schedule more Tsummer. The unprecedented increasing hours on the water and in to reach those we haven’t made bushfire crisis our State has faced our radio bases wherever possible. it to as yet. I want to express my has taken a terrible toll, tearing at Many lives have been saved but thanks and ensure each of you the heart of many communities our members also responded knows just how proud I am of your along our coastline and further professionally and compassionately selfless commitment to serving inland and leaving few of us in searches for lost boaters, our community. All our people untouched, no matter our proximity swimmers, kayakers and others on have stepped up and stepped to a firefront. the coastline and the Murray River. in - in countless ways, whether In our own field of operations, we The bushfires have added on high fire alert, delivering Rural have also witnessed the distress another dimension to these summer Fire Service frontline and public of families losing loved ones in operations. Few of our units have communications, tending to people Commissioner a number of tragedies on our not been impacted in some way, in evacuation centres, opening their Stacey Tannos ESM waterways at the end of 2019 and whether through direct involvement, unit doors to shelter those in need start of this year. frontline and community support or taking to the water in extended The coordinated response to or simply operating for weeks in search operations. These are just the extended bushfire emergency, low visibility under smoke. Some some of the many examples of first in the State’s north and more recently on the South Coast, has The response to traumatic events can be involved all our emergency services. delayed. Please reach out for support. I know every member will join me in applauding the remarkable efforts of our personnel do double duty, your sustained commitment and of our State’s firefighters, standing also serving as Rural Fire Service generosity of spirit. Again, I thank between towering, terrifying flames volunteers, and regrettably some everyone, both volunteers and and all that we hold most valuable. in our ranks have suffered the loss staff, for your contribution to an Marine Rescue NSW units have of or damage to their homes and extraordinary team effort. played a strong operational and properties. The prolonged bushfires have support role for months, while Deputy Commissioner Dean taken a toll on our communities simultaneously maintaining our own Storey and I have visited many and on individuals. Operations with core capabilities. Units ramped up units to thank our volunteers and a tragic outcome can be similarly stressful. The response to traumatic events can often be delayed. If you find you are struggling with your experience now or over the coming months, please reach out for support. During our visits to units, our volunteers’ resilience, grit and camaraderie have been on clear display. Your mates at the unit may be your best support but additional help is also available through our Critical Incident Support Service, which is provided by the RFS to all MRNSW volunteers. There is no shame in admitting you need help; to the contrary, it takes considerable courage, especially for men. You can contact the CISS team 24 hours a day on 1800 049 933. All information is treated confidentially. After the fires ... MR Batemans Bay members welcome Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey, Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Monaro Regional Director Glenn Felkin (right) to their Search and Rescue Stacey Tannos ESM Coordination Centre in late January. Commissioner

2 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE RADAR Fatal season

Lives saved among summer coastal tragedies Thanks to volunteers for sustained efforts, professionalism and compassion.

arine Rescue NSW crews saw Mboth joy and tragedy on the water as 2019 gave way to 2020. The last days of the year saw crews deployed to searches for missing boaters and a jet ski rider, diver, kayaker and swimmer on the coastline and Murray River. None of these was found alive but many other lives were saved thanks to our volunteers’ sustained and committed response. From the start of December until the end of February, our crews launched 948 rescue missions, including 247 in response to life- endangering emergencies. Our radio Tamra Skalla on board Woolgoolga 30 scours the rocky shore of Groper Island for signs of two men who operators handled 66,648 calls went missing on a fishing trip from Coffs Harbour to Sawtell. and 19,595 vessels Logged On, including 5,439 via the App. searched over two days for a man Deputy Commissioner Dean who went missing while diving at Storey thanked all MRNSW Barraga Bay on December 27. A volunteers for their efforts. body was located the following day. “Unfortunately, many searches The crew of Moama 20 took ended in the saddest news for part in a cross-border operation to families who had hoped for very find a man, 23, who was last seen different outcomes,” he said. “As swimming across the Murray River always, our people responded at Tocumwal on December 29. A professionally and with compassion body was located on New Year’s in these difficult circumstances. Eve. “The bushfires and their A crew from MR Point Danger aftermath saw fewer boaters on was deployed to relieve Queensland the water in many areas. Our teams in a major sea and air members worked tirelessly to assist operation to find a missing Gold the fire response and support their Coast jet ski rider on December 30. communities, all while maintaining MR Tuggerah Lakes volunteers Victoria Police divers on board Moama 20 during the search for a their services to help keep those were on the water in rough missing swimmer at Tocumwal on the Murray River. boaters who were out safe.” conditions on New Year’s Eve with One Mid North Coast family - and police and NSW Maritime to find MR Woolgoolga, Wooli and Coffs resuscitated a woman found floating volunteers from MR Trial Bay - had three kayakers on Budgewoi Lake. Harbour were again activated when face down in Swansea Channel. reason to celebrate when a man Two were rescued but a 25-year- an Argentinian backpacker got into A coordinated operation was missing on a crabbing trip near old’s body was located off Budgewoi trouble in the surf on Mullaway mounted on February 15 for a man, South West Rocks was found alive on New Year’s Day and recovered by Beach on January 20. His body 69, whose kayak was found floating on Christmas Day. police on board TL 20. washed ashore a week later. in murky conditions on the Macleay But the festive season ended In a heroic effort, MR Nambucca Lives were saved but also one River at South West Rocks. His body without any trace of two fishermen Rescue Water Craft operators lost on Australia Day. Forster 30 was found the next day. On March who left Coffs Harbour for Sawtell saved 11 people in two hours on a was deployed in the early morning 10, one boater died and another Reef on December 28 and failed fast and strong run out tide on the darkness when a cruiser capsized was lost overboard when their to return. MR Coffs Harbour, hazardous local bar on January 8. off Blueys Beach. A 74-year-old open runabout overturned on the Woolgoolga and Nambucca joined Four days later, MR Middle man was lost but another rescued. Narooma bar just after 6am, with the search over a large area before Harbour joined the search for an Further south, two RWC operators search vessels and RWCs activated it was eventually suspended. English tourist whose body was from MR Lake Macquarie were from MR Narooma, Bermagui, A crew from MR Bermagui found off Diamond Head in Sydney. first on the scene and successfully Tuross and Batemans Bay.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 3 THE HELM Official business

From the Chair Take opportunities to foster strong bonds in our Marine Rescue family.

n recent months, we have seen On our regular visits to units, the in 2018 found that one in 2.5 IMarine Rescue NSW at its finest, Board Directors consistently note the emergency services employees and our people at their best, living their strong camaradie among our people. one in three volunteers have been commitment to community service. This is essential in an emergency diagnosed with a mental health Our personnel have shone not service where safety depends on condition in their lives, compared only in our own arena of operations people performing their roles to the with one in five of all adults in on the water but across a scorched best of their ability and working as Australia. and devastated landscape. a team in a frequently hazardous With almost 50 sporting events I am yet to hear of any call for environment. to be staged across the week, the assistance throughout the extended Of late, this teamwork feels to emphasis will be on participation bushfire season from July to March have taken on a new dimension, with a dose of friendly rivalry and that our volunteers and staff did not as members have spoken warmly competition. meet within a heartbeat. of their pride in being part of the The Games will also highlight Despite the threat to their own Marine Rescue “family”. the ordinary individuals who Chair towns and for many, their own The Board is particularly keen to perform extraordinary roles in our James Glissan AM ESM QC homes, they were ready to help foster this kinship within our ranks, communities on a daily basis. wherever they were needed, both for the good of the service and The Board firmly supports the whether that was supporting its individual members. benefits the Games will offer and is frontline emergency operations, While lifelong bonds are often keen to see our members proudly providing comfort and meals to forged on churning seas, friendship representing our service across evacuees or stepping in to cover can also be built far from the the many different sports. We the responsibilities of their own theatre of battle. That is why are considering ways to facilitate colleagues. And all the while, social gatherings for members to this participation, particularly for maintaining our core services congregate around the barbecue members who live some distance with only minimal, unavoidable interruption. The Board firmly supports the benefits the Police Despite the prevailing conditions and Emergency Services Games will offer. keeping many boaters on shore, our crews saved numerous lives or over a drink are as important as from the Illawarra, with support to on the water but also joined many formal unit meetings and why the be announced once Games event missions to search for those who did Directors maintain a schedule of and registration details are publicly not live to see the rain finally fall. A meeting our members informally released. Make sure you watch the sample of our activities are covered every second month. Games website for updates: https:// in this edition of Soundings but each This year, we are presented apandesgames.com.au/ member will know of many stories with an ideal opportunity to come On behalf of the Board, I thank untold. together, with the 18th Australasian each of you for the dedication and Police and Emergency Services goodwill you have shown over recent Games to be staged on the Illawarra months. We are proud beyond coastline from October 17 to 24. measure of our membership’s The theme of the 2020 Games professionalism and life saving is Connected by Service, United achievements but even more so of by Sport. The event is aimed your kindness and compassion. at providing opportunities for This combination of skill and positive, inter-agency collaboration, humanity is surely the measure competition and camaraderie of our success and longevity and between first responders and, should be celebrated by us all. importantly, psychological benefits The Board looks forward to for the individual, with support from meeting more of you in the months charities Beyond Blue and RU OK? ahead to personally thank you for This is surely a worthwhile your contribution across this hardest endeavour at any time but of seasons. MRNSW Chair Jim Glissan rings the bell to start the Putt Putt Regatta, watched by MR Botany Port Hacking DUC Jan Borgelt and particularly after the fire season Good sailing Regatta Commodore Brad Whittaker. Photo: Jon Veage, The Leader. just passed. A Beyond Blue survey Jim Glissan

4 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE AIR Giveaway

Win a VHF radio: make every journey safer Campaign encouraging boaters to switch to superior technology.

arine Rescue NSW has Our units have the happy job of Mlaunched a new campaign to presenting winners with their prizes. encourage boaters to make every Director of Operations Andrew journey safer by switching to VHF Cribb said VHF was the technology marine radio. of choice for greater boating safety. The centrepiece of the Help Us “It has greater range, better Help You campaign is a giveaway reception and is less susceptible of 36 free VHF radios - a total prize to static and interference than the pool worth more than $20,000. older technology of 27MHz,” he said. The campaign was launched in “Boaters who need help on the the first week of March and runs water should call Marine Rescue on until Easter. VHF Channel 16.” Thanks to Raymarine, a VHF The campaign is promoted on marine radio valued from $450 will Facebook and Twitter, with entry be given away to a lucky winner for the giveaway via a website. It in each of the six MRNSW regions features a range of safety tips on every week for six weeks. using VHF radio, including from Winners will be drawn randomly fisherman Lindsay McGown, rescued each week but those who don’t by MR Bermagui and Narooma on MRNSW is helping boaters make every journey safer. win will still be covered, receiving a November 28 (see Page 54). generous 20 per cent discount when FLIR Maritime Asia Pty Ltd awareness program. contribution towards improving they buy their own Raymarine radio General Manager Damien Weber “MRNSW provides a tremendous safety on NSW waterways,” he said. through long-time MRNSW supplier said it was wonderful to be service to boaters across the “Raymarine is very proud of its Barrenjoey Marine Electrics. involved with MRNSW and the VHF state and makes an incredible long association with MRNSW.”

New Year marks new decade of operations Global recognition for volunteers 10 years after forming a unified team.

ew Year’s Day was an important Volunteer Coastal Patrol and marine Nanniversary for the 3,000-plus fleet of the NSW Volunteer Rescue volunteers of MRNSW. Association. As the clock ticked over into Commissioner Stacey Tannos 2020, MRNSW marked a decade said MRNSW had continued to grow, since the start of volunteer delivering 97 new and refurbished operations under the new Marine rescue vessels worth almost $22 Rescue banner in 2010. million, expanding its capability, Our volunteers started that new opening two new units on key inland year by taking to the water and the waters and developing new training, marine radio airwaves together as operating procedures and volunteer members of one service for the first support. time after the organisation’s formal “I want to take this opportunity

establishment six months earlier. to thank all the volunteers who A smoky start to the New Year and the second decade of MRNSW Today, they are recognised have given their time, energy and operations as the team from MR Cottage Point heads home after globally for their skill and experience commitment over the 10 years since supporting New Year’s Eve celebrations on Sydney Harbour. and as professionally resourced the start of operations as Marine and trained members of the NSW Rescue NSW,” he said. the organisation was entering a further enhance our services, open emergency services, committed to “Their dedication to our mission new phase of development made our first offshore rescue unit on Lord serving the community. of saving lives on the water is possible by the State Government’s Howe Island, deliver more boats, MRNSW brought together unwavering. Each of them deserves financial injection of an additional invest in the State’s marine radio members of the Australian Volunteer our thanks and gratitude.” $37.6 million over four years. network and upgrade our volunteer Coast Guard Association, Royal Commissioner Tannos said “This new funding means we can facilities and operating conditions.”

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 5 ON THE RADAR Recognition

Committing ourselves to be #EachforEqual Applause for our ambassadors on International Women’s Day.

he women of Marine Rescue no doubt more we can do to make TNSW are ambassadors for our volunteering experience more our service every day, not just on equitable, whether that is through International Women’s Day. introducing more family-friendly Women make up 25.5 per cent rosters for all our members, both of our volunteer membership and men and women, supporting more the organisation applauded each of women to step up to leadership them on March 8. roles or committing ourselves as The theme of this year’s IWD individuals and a service to ensuring was #EachforEqual, exemplified we are all #EachforEqual.” by the women of MRNSW, who Almost 100 women serve in live their equal commitment and MRNSW unit executive roles, strength of service every day in their including nine Unit Commanders or volunteering duties. Deputies. Pat Fayers remains our Commissioner Stacey Tannos sole female Board Director. #EachforEqual on the water ... MR Middle Harbour members Joanna used IWD to pay tribute to the Volunteers from MR Middle Mycroft and Stephanie Mayoh. Photo: Salty Dingo. women across the organisation. Harbour, including Joanna Mycroft, “We are stronger thanks to them,” feature in a new State Government probably the ones who will save me enjoy spending time on the water.” he said. “We would be even mightier campaign to encourage people to if the worst should happen,” Joanna See Joanna’s story online at: if we had more women in our ranks volunteer. said. https://www.volunteering.nsw.gov. at all levels. “I volunteer because as a sailor, “I want to be able to give back au/stories/volunteer-stories/marine- “Like all organisations, there is I know that Marine Rescue are and help out others like myself who rescue-nsw

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6 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE RADAR New technology

Aussie-first trial of device to keep U SAFE ‘Life ring of the 21st century’ has potential to revolutionise marine rescue.

arine Rescue NSW has drownings and that’s why we’ve Mlaunched the first Australian invested a record $37.6 million for trial of new life-saving marine Marine Rescue over four years to rescue technology. enhance their rescue capability with The U SAFE, a self-propelled, additional rescue vessels, volunteer remote-controlled life buoy, is facilities and radio infrastructure.” being subjected to rigorous trials The patented U SAFE device on hazardous NSW waters for three has been produced by Portuguese months. developer Noras Performance. MR Central Coast and Lake Featuring a U-shaped hull, it is Macquarie are the first two units to powered by an electric turbine in put the device to the test. each leg and can travel up to 400m Emergency Services Minister from the operator at a speed of up David Elliott inspected the U SAFE to 15km/h. prototype during a rescue simulation Commissioner Stacey Tannos said Emergency Services Minister David Elliott (centre) launches the U SAFE trial with MR Botany Port Hacking member Jesse Rowley, Assistant to start the trial. the aquatic robot had the potential Director of Training Brad Whittaker, Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin, Mr Elliott said the innovative to revolutionise marine rescue, Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey, Miranda MP Eleni Petinos and technology was the future of marine saving more lives while protecting member Grahame Aulbury. rescue and would put crews in a crew safety. position to save more lives in a “The U SAFE is the life ring of the the equipment’s performance, speed safely navigate range of hazardous conditions. 21st century,” he said. “This trial and accuracy and contribution to • Reaching people who have fallen “This is an incredible piece of kit will help determine the life-saving mission success in scenarios such overboard from boats or rock that can launched from a rescue potential of this technology. as: fishers being churned in the surf vessel or from the shore and steered “We’re excited to undertake the • Dangerous conditions and close to rock platforms or cliffs directly to a person or boat in first operational trial of the U SAFE inaccessible locations, such as on • Carrying a tow rope to a boat danger,” Mr Elliott said. prototype by a professional rescue coastal bars, near rocky outcrops in severe conditions, such as in “We’re committed to reducing service in Australia.” and on shallow waterways that are an extreme chop, heavy swell or tragic and too often preventable The comprehensive trial will test difficult for large rescue vessels to close to rocks.

Technical specifications and performance hat you need to know about to a person in the water and then Wthe U SAFE acquatic robot: hauled back to land or a rescue vessel using a rope, the U SAFE Technical specifications: is self-powered by small electrical • Weight: 13kg turbines. • Size: 100 x 80 x 20cm The turbines operate regardless • Speed: 15km/h of which side is facing up when the • Run time: 30 minutes at a device is thrown into the water. speed of 7.5km/h It is simple and intuitive to use, • Power: small inbuilt jets even for first-time operators. powered by 3.6 volt lithium ion Using the joystick remote control, battery a rescuer can steer the device • Flashing LEDs: assist with night straight to a target in the water and rescues then back to the vessel or land. • Steering: A small joystick The device has two sets of remote control connected to the handles on each side, front and rear, U SAFE by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for one or two people to grab. and consciousness or to transfer a The buoy allows crews to • Information: usafe-global.com It can save valuable time taken tow line directly to a vessel at risk, save lives on the water without Operation to throw a rope to a person in the rather than throwing a rope in high endangering either themselves Unlike a traditional life ring thrown water who may be losing strength winds and choppy seas. or their vessel.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 7 THE WORLD’S HARDEST WORKING RIBS

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Full steam ahead for new Lord Howe unit THE WORLD’S HARDEST Island’s inaugural commander appointed and ocean-going vessel on way. he development of the first MRNSW livery, before its delivery to Toffshore MRNSW rescue unit its new base 650 km due east of the WORKING RIBS is on track, with the inaugural Unit Mid North Coast. Commander of MR Lord Howe Island With five years’ experience on appointed and an ocean-going board Fearless, Mr McFadyen was vessel due for delivery to its home one of the crew members on the base in coming weeks. voyage north. Commissioner Stacey Tannos said Deputy Commissioner Dean Jim McFadyen had been appointed Storey said the boat would undergo as founding Unit Commander. a total refurbishment from top to “Jim is extremely well qualified bottom and emerge as good as new. for this role. He has strong marine Mr McFadyen made the move qualifications and experience and to Lord Howe Island a decade is very familiar with the community ago, initially to take over the and the island’s boating conditions accommodation business run by his and hazards,” he said. family for 170 years. The crew prepares the new Lord Howe Island ocean-going vessel for its Mr McFadyen brings 24 years’ In recent years, he has worked as voyage north for a major refit. professional experience as a asset manager for the Lord Howe member of the NSW Police Force Island Board. and Marine Area Command to his He said the island community had new role. His boating experience strongly endorsed the establishment spans time on the water with his of its own unit. family during the Sydney summers “The community recognises that of his youth to Master Class 5 it’s a much needed service for the and Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 island because of all the maritime qualifications. traffic, airlines and visiting vessels MRNSW has acquired retired as well as the thriving tourism NSW Police boat Fearless as the industry,” he said. new unit’s first vessel. The 16m More than 25 people have ocean-going vessel has a range of already signed up to join the unit 400nm and is the largest addition to and Mr McFadyen was confident of Commissioner Stacey Tannos congratulates founding MR Lord Howe Island Unit Commander Jim McFadyen on his appointment. the MRNSW fleet. reaching 35, representing 10 per A crew of five steered the boat cent of the island’s residents. out of Sydney in the early morning Rescues on the island have been Mr McFadyen stressed the ocean vessel. darkness of February 17 to travel performed using private boats in importance of forming a professional “It’s a much needed service for north to Port Macquarie for a major the community. A rescue vessel response to boating related the island and the community is very refit, including new electronics and deployed from Sydney would involve emergencies in the area as well as excited to be involved,” he said. communications equipment and a 25-30 hour response time. the importance of having an open Anya Slowenko

Recognised and operated by coast guards, police forces and RESCUE PILOT BOATS commercial users around the world. Whatever the conditions, PATROL MILITARY Get training and sign up for 2020 Games you can rely on Naiad’s supreme ride and strength to get TOURISM SUPERYACHT TENDERS you home safely. DIVING RECREATIONAL arine Rescue NSW personnel Illawarra Region from October 17 the range of sports on offer was ways to support members who Mhave seven months to get into to 24. MRNSW volunteers and staff designed to maximise participation were keen to take part, particularly TO FIND OUT MORE PHONE +64 2 6646 2421 | WWW.YWE.COM.AU training for the 18th Australasian are encouraged to sign up once and he looked forward to seeing those from outside the Illawarra who Police and Emergency Services registrations open. MRNSW members taking part. would face additional travel costs. Games. As well as traditional Olympic “I particularly encourage the He said the level of interest would About 4,000 competitors are Games style sports, events such as women in our ranks to sign up - help determine the support that expected to take part in almost 50 darts, crossfit, squash, golf, squash don’t let the men steal all the glory!” could potentially be made available sports under the theme Connected and stand-up paddle boarding will he said. to participants. by Service, United by Sport. be on the rundown. Commissioner Tannos said For information and to register, The Games will be held in the Commissioner Stacey Tannos said MRNSW was looking at possible visit https://apandesgames.com.au/

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 9

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THE PROVEN CHOICE Three new staff have seen life on both sides Training, fleet and communications experts have all served as volunteers.

arine Rescue NSW has Mwelcomed three new staff members, who bring a wealth of professional and volunteering experience to their roles in training, fleet management and communications. Chris Jacobson has been appointed as Training Manager, Colin Williams the Emergency Systems Manager and Sean Jewiss takes on the new role of Fleet Officer. MRNSW represents a major seachange for Chris, whose previous role was as the Vocational Education Welcome on board ... new Training Manager Chris Jacobson, Fleet Officer Sean Jewiss and Emergency Systems Manager Colin WIlliams. Training manager and outdoor education teacher at Hobart College. Born and raised in Tasmania, impact on the local communities (so) which owns and operates the Experience in the capital before he siezed the opportunity to cross we went into schools and ran safety Government Radio Network used heading to Rotterdam. Bass Strait and use his education campaigns around water awareness by 40 agencies including the fire Sean also served as a volunteer experience in a different role. and trained locals to lifeguard services, SES, NSW Ambulance, crewman with the Royal National The proven choice for Government and “Life’s too short to do just one standard,” he said. NSW Maritime and councils. Lifeboat Institution on the Thames. Professional applications around the world thing,” he said. Chris will be working on ways “When I started, the network “It’s the ambulance on the water. AirBerth Boat Lifts Far from doing “just one thing”, to integrate blended learning and was very unreliable and when I left We saved quite a few people. The Chris has been an active member support training in the regions. it was very reliable,” he said. “A lot youngest was a 22-year-old girl,” of Surf Life Saving since he first ran “I’m extremely excited to be of things that helped during these he said. “The Thames is one of the on to the beach as a Nipper at age working in such an amazinig bushfires was stuff that I did. I’m biggest hotspots for drownings in seven, rising to become Chair of organisation which has an extremely quite proud of what I did there.” the winter. It’s fast flowing and cold. Lifesaving for SLS Tasmania. important purpose,” he said. He has already seen signiificant There are a lot of bridges and the development in the MRNSW current pulls people under.” ‘There’s a nice community around it ... you make communications network from his Moving to Australia with his local friends and the crews become your family.’ original radio service on DCN at wife, he became a teacher at the the Kurnell base to today’s digital Superyacht Crew Maritime Academy He took a key role in the transition Colin Williams’ communications equipment and said his volunteering before joining Cronulla Whale to a single service when Volunteer experience covers both the career background had given him valuable Watching, enjoying his time spotting Marine Rescue and Surf Life and volunteer sectors and he is very insight into members’ experience the giant mammals. Optimise vessel performance today Saving Tasmania merged, ensuring familiar with his new workplace. with the communications network. “It doesn’t really get old. I thought by storing your boat out of the water The AirBerth features: members had the required training The former NSW Telco Authority Sean Jewiss brings four it would but it never did. The bay and qualifications. He gained his Manager of Network Services and generations of seafaring tradition to here (at Cronulla) is one of the best • Increase speed and fuel efficiency by • Quick, safe and easy to launch for quick deployment own Coxswain rating in the process. Operations has been a member his role, coming from a long line of places to see them because they • 9 different models suit vessels up to 15 metric tonnes eliminating anti-foul paints on the hull He was soon appointed National of MR Botany Port Hacking since boatmen on the River Thames. come in to rest,” he said. “If you stop • UV stable Heavy Duty HDPE construction ensures • Launch and retrieve your vessel in minutes Chair of Life Saving for Surf Life 2013, serving on board both rescue “On the Thames, it’s like blood. your engines, they’ll come up and AirBerth is environmentally friendly and maintenance free Saving Australia, a role he still holds. vessels and in the radio room on the • Maximise days on water; For a long time, it was a closed have a look at the boat and circle • Vessel retrieval equally as fast so less time on He also found the time to fit in other side of his new office wall. shop. You couldn’t work on the river around a bit. One once came up and minimise maintenance time dock post-rescue two stints in the tropics as the water “I trained in electronics and unless you were from the river,” he nudged the side of the boat. That safety coordinator and risk assessor telecommunications and always had said. made it on morning TV.” • No submerged metal parts on the Channel 10 series, Australian an interest in radio.The sea is my Following his father, both Sean said he was looking forward • Isolates air and water for added safety Survivor, on behalf of SLS. thing. I’ve been a boatie for years,” granddads and a great grandfather to working with MRNSW volunteers “Our role was to coordinate the he said. on to the water, Sean gained “It’s a nice thing for people to water safety for challenges and also He worked for 16 years for his Captain’s qualification at the devote time to make a difference. Proud member of: AirBerth Boat Lifts provide advice on risk management American Express overseeing its youngest possible age of 21. He “There’s a nice community WINNER for any water-based activities. networks in the Asia-Pacific before worked on tugs, barges, ferries around it ... you make friends and 2015 Maritime +61 7 5587 7888 Australia Limited “We wanted to leave a lasting six years at the Telco Authority, and the high-speed Thames RIB the crews become your family.” Civil Industry National [email protected] Innovation Award www.airberth.com SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 11

1729 AirBerth Soundings FP ad.indd 1 8/05/2017 3:10 pm ON THE RADAR Fleet news

Boat builder looks to international expansion World markets beckon as Yamba Welding & Engineering buys Naiad.

arine Rescue NSW boat builder arrangements with its international MYamba Welding & Engineering and domestic licenced builders, is expanding its business with the with its support team staying in purchase of international design New Zealand. The acquisition will company Naiad New Zealand. give YWE greater scope to further Managing Director Bill Collingburn establish the Naiad footprint into said YWE had been working international markets and expand with Naiad since 2011 and was YWE’s horizon into foreign military committed to growing the company. sales, as well as further designing The Yamba factory produces the product to meet the needs of Naiad vessels for MRNSW, including rescue services such as MRNSW. the most recent for MR Lemon It also creates scope to introduce Tree Passage (8.5m), Tuggerah new designs under the successful MRNSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin and Deputy Commissioner Dean Lakes (6.8m), Newcastle (10m) and Naiad brand. Storey with Yamba Welding & Engineering’s Bill Collingburn at Yamba. Merimbula (6.8m). It also builds the “One vessel we are currently Ocean Cylinders in the fleet. working on is the Naiad Utility, which expand our workforce and this will most of the Naiad team and Mr Collingburn said it would will start construction soon,” Mr bring more apprenticeships.” secured its original designer Steve be business as usual both before Collingburn said. “It’s a specialist Mr Collingburn said Naval Schmidt on a consultancy basis. Mr and after the sale, scheduled to be type vessel that will fit well into Architect Glen Davis had joined Collingburn said YWE looked forward finalised on March 31. inshore harbours and rivers as well the YWE team to assist with new to working with the Naiad staff and He said the purchase would not as offshore work. designs in conjunction with the wished the Naiad Directors well for affect Naiad’s current business “We will, of course, need to Naiad Architects. YWE has retained their retirement. Added equipment to support crew safety

Lemon Tree 30, fitted with a davit, on its sea trials at Yamba.

he new MR Lemon Tree Passage crews lift heavy objects, including Trescue vessel, delivered in late unconscious people, from the water February, has been fitted with new and load supplies and equipment. equipment to be trialled for its Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said potential benefits to crew safety and it was hoped the fixture would help operations. crews operate safely without the risk Lemon Tree 30, an 8.5m Naiad, of injury from lifting heavy weights. has been fitted with a removable “The trial will help us assess lightweight davit and manual winch whether a davit should be included system on the transom. as part of the standard construction The equipment will be tested of new vessels 8.5m in length and for its effectiveness in helping above,” he said.

12 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE RADAR Skill & service

Eyes up for joint offshore training exercise Air-sea rescue teams work together to test pinpoint manoeuvres.

arine Rescue NSW eyes Mwere trained on the sky over Cronulla for an offshore training exercise with our colleagues from the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter Service on February 13. A volunteer crew from MR Botany Port Hacking headed out to sea from the unit’s base on Port Hacking to support the Toll training scenario to rescue four sailors from a yacht sinking off Boat Harbour Park at the northern end of Cronulla Beach. As the scenario played out, the yacht’s crew activated an EPIRB after losing all electronics and communications as the vessel took on water. Once the helicopter was on scene, a radio was winched to the yacht to establish communications and an Australian Maritime Safety The Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter winches a crew member and a boater who abandoned ship during a Authority liferaft dispatched to the training exercise off Cronulla to safety while Port Hacking 30 stands off. Photo: Anya Slowenko. vessel. After abandoning the yacht for the Supervisor Paul Kernick to the Toll, NSW Ambulance and AMSA to “Our volunteers conduct regular safety of the raft, the sailors were scene, along with a crew to film the hone the skills needed to ensure all training exercises with Toll in winched into the aircraft. exercise for use in Toll crew training. services remained rescue ready for locations in and around Sydney so Port Hacking 30 crew members The unit’s other vessel, Botany 30, operations on the water. that both air and vessel crews are Jim Glissan, Rohan Stirling and stood by and retrieved the liferaft at “An aerial rescue mission in familiar with each other’s operations Jeff O’Brien transported Toll Senior the end of the exercise. response to an emergency at sea and the procedures required to Aircrewman Instructor Rolf Petersen Commissioner Stacey Tannos requires precision manoeuvring and successfully work together to save and NSW Ambulance Training said MRNSW regularly worked with pinpoint accuracy,” he said. lives on the water.”

Nominate a selfless hero for Rotary awards

ominations are opening for member of the organisation or Nthe 2020 Rotary Emergency community. Services Community Awards. Nominations open on March The awards are held each year 25 and close on May 1, with the to acknowledge and celebrate the winners to be anounced at a gala community service of members of dinner on August 1. the emergency services. Four members of each service The awards are open to volunteer will be selected as finalists, with a and career personnel from Marine winner named for each agency. Rescue NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW Nominees will be judged on and the NSW Ambulance Service, three criteria: community service MRNSW 2019 Rotary Volunteer of the Year Ray Angel with Kevin Hill, Rural Fire Service, State Emergency over and above the call of normal Commissioner Stacey Tannos, David Hand and Mitchell Harvey. Service and Volunteer Rescue duties exemplifying Rotary’s motto Association. of Service Above Self, personal Commissioner Stacey Tannos said Nominations can only be made MRNSW volunteers can be attributes and contribution to their the awards were valued recognition online at: nominated for the awards by any organisation. of the organisation’s quiet achievers. www.rotaryescawards.org.au

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 13 ON THE RADAR Big event safety

Blue water staff take on Hobart challenge Three yachts make Mayday calls in 40 minutes on return voyage north.

wo members of MRNSW knots of wind as they watched other THeadquarters staff swapped the yachts sailing past just a mile away. office for a blue water adventure “Crossing the line is a special over summer, competing in the experience,” he said. “The other 2019 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. main highlight was a feeding frenzy Director of Operations Andrew of dolphins, seals and a mid-sized Cribb was a crew member on board whale off the west coast of Tassie.” Gweilo, which placed second in the Delivery crews returning the overall standings behind Ichi Ban. yachts from Hobart ran into poor Property and Projects Manager conditions in the smoky darkness off - and MR Port Jackson volunteer - the South Coast on January 5. Mark Cooper reached Constitution The crew of 12m yacht Showtime Dock early on December 30 on made a Mayday call at 2.35am, board Packaponch Scamp in activating an EPIRB after the boat’s Mayday ... the crew of Showtime clambered into their liferaft after his third entry in the event. Four keel broke away and it overturned the yacht overturned on the home journey. Photo: Mark Griffith. members of MR Port Jackson joined south of Narooma. The seven crew Mr Cooper as crew members on the members made it into a liferaft. Terrey Hills and the third reported it environments. return trip from Hobart to Sydney This emergency was followed at did not require assistance. Mr Cooper said half-way across in challenging conditions that saw 3.10am, when Gunrunner called for Showtime owner Mark Bass Strait on the return voyage, three yachts make distress calls help when it was dismasted. Five Griffith said the yacht had been winds had unexpectedly increased within 40 minutes in the early hours minutes later, another yacht issued equipped with numerous forms of to 35-40 knots, gusting above 40 of January 5. a distress call to report two injuries communication, including VHF and knots, from the north-west. In contrast, the fleet headed down on board. HF radios and a satellite phone. “Seas increased to over five Sydney Harbour under picture- Despite marine radio He said the yacht kept radios metres with some breaking waves, perfect skies on Boxing Day. This infrastructure coming under in an easily accessible emergency a classic Bass Strait ‘wind against was Mr Cribb’s 15th Sydney-Hobart, threat from the South Coast fires grab bag. tide’, which made for a very bumpy this time on board the 15.85m at the time, the three calls were “In this situation, I think they ride,” he said. “Scamp handled the Gweilo. He was a crew member of successfully detected by MR Terrey had a very limited window to get a weather well although progress was race winner Balance in 2015. Hills. When contact could not be message off,” he said. Mr Griffith slow. We ended up having to go into Scamp, a Beneteau First 45, established with Showtime in thanked the emergency services for Eden to repair some of the lines crossed the line in 114th place and response to its Mayday, Terrey Hills their rapid response. up the mast and witnessed a huge 15th in Division 4. alerted the NSW Police Marine Area Mr Cribb said responding to three bushfire on the south of the bay and Mr Cooper said the yacht had Command, which launched its Port incidents of this severity in such a were enveloped in thick smoke. made good progress until becoming Kembla vessel to rescue the crew. short period of time was testament “We had no idea HMAS Adelaide stuck in a wind hole in Storm Bay, Gunrunner was able to make its way to the professionalism of MRNSW was anchored in the bay until it slipping in the rankings as the crew under its own power into Eden with training and the skill of personnel loomed out of the smoke in front tried to get moving in only two communications support from MR operating in high-pressure of us!”

Fifteenth race ... MRNSW Director of Operations Andrew Cribb Scamps ... MR Port Jackson’s Mark Cooper, Nick Varga, Mark finalises preparations on race newcomer Gweilo, which placed Ottewill, Jeff Crompton and Bojan Vizintin with John Turner and Kim second overall. Downy (third and fourth from left).

14 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE RADAR Big event safety

On the frontline of the big summer events Eleven vessels help keep boaters safe to enjoy harbour festivities.

ummer goes off with a bang on SSydney Harbour. Marine Rescue NSW crews are always on the frontline when the starters’ guns fire for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the ferrython on Australia Day and as the first firework explodes above the massed spectator fleet on New Year’s Eve. Our familiar red and white rescue boats turned out again for this summer’s big events. Eleven vessels were on the water to ensure the Hobart race fleet had a clear path to Sydney Heads on Boxing Day. After attending a briefing at NSW Maritime at Rozelle, crews from the Ringing in 2020 ... the view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks from Hawkesbury 22. Photo: Sarah Adair. Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson, Senior MRNSW liaison officers Botany Port Hacking and Norah are on hand at the Sydney Harbour Head units headed under the Anzac Operations Centre at NSW Maritime Bridge to join the support operation and the Marine Operations Centre at to patrol the race exclusion zone, the East Balmain MAC base to assist respond to emergencies and assist with the operational coordination of the spectator fleet. the major summer events. Five days later, more than 50 MR Newcastle coxswain Terry volunteers from the same units Reynolds skippered Ocean Cylinder helped keep harbour revellers Norah Head 20 on New Year’s Eve. safe to enjoy the New Year’s Eve “Just as we passed under the Central command... MR Middle Harbour Unit Commander Peter Steigrad in the Sydney Harbour Operations Centre on Boxing Day. fireworks and festivities. Sydney Harbour Bridge the southerly Deputy Commissioner Dean hit,” he said. “Our station off Garden Storey said despite the bushfires, Island was relatively benign as no heat and February storms keeping vessels could anchor, however, many boaters on shore, volunteers some zones closer in towards Mrs from all 44 units had spent summer Macquarie’s Chair and Circular Quay helping those who were on the had their hands full with anchored water stay safe and supporting boats dragging anchors and hitting events in Sydney and the regions. into each other. “New Year’s Eve is always a “Once all of that was settled huge night on Sydney Harbour as down, the event went well with two thousands of boaters cram on to spectacular fireworks sessions and the water for a front row view of the one very experienced stunt pilot Australia Day safety ... the crews of Broken Bay 20 and Central Coast city’s fireworks spectacular,” he said. flying about half a dozen times 21 watch over swimmers in the Big Swim from Whale to Palm beach. The volunteers worked alongside under the Bridge.” NSW Maritime, the NSW Police Boaters traditionally flock to Force Marine Area Command (MAC), the water on Australia Day at Bay, Hawkesbury and Central Coast were also out on February 28 and Sydney Ports Authority and Sydney the end of the summer holidays. watched over swimmers in the Big 29 to patrol the exclusion zones Ferries, all helping to maintain order MRNSW crews performed 101 Swim from Whale Beach to Palm for season two of SailGP, which and safety throughout the day and operations over the long weekend, Beach on the morning of Australia saw identical supercharged F50 night, especially as boaters rushed including 25 in response to life- Day, while MR Middle Harbour and catamarans racing at electrifying for home once the exclusion zones threatening emergencies. Crews Port Jackson were on the harbour speeds of more than 50 knots were collapsed after the fireworks. from MR Cottage Point, Broken day and night. The two harbour units (100km/h) down the harbour.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 15 UP TO 45% FUEL SAVINGS. IT’S NO SECRET. JUST ASK.

SUZUKIMARINE.COM.AU *Fuel saving percentages are comparative to previous Suzuki DF engines of same hp.

SUZ LB 210x297mm Ad Soundings 11-19.indd 1 27/11/19 9:39 am UP TO 45% FUEL SAVINGS. IT’S NO SECRET. JUST ASK. THE SUMMER THAT WASN’T This was the season that changed summer; the holidays when boaters stayed on shore under a cloud of smoke and ash rather than spending long, carefree days enjoying the beauty of our waterways. The bushfires that started in the State’s north in July left a path of destruction by the time torrential rain fell in February. In this Soundings Special Report, we salute the Marine Rescue NSW family, who stepped up to skilfully support emergency operations and serve their communities in a show of goodwill, camaraderie and resilience.

The crew of Ulladulla 20 navigated thick smoke to evacuate a family of five children from the Bawley Point beachfront where they had sought SUZUKIMARINE.COM.AU *Fuel saving percentages are comparative to previous Suzuki DF engines of same hp. refuge from the massive Currowan fire. Photo: Michelle Cuthbert.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 17

SUZ LB 210x297mm Ad Soundings 11-19.indd 1 27/11/19 9:39 am BUSHFIRES Special report

Volunteers’ response to bushfire crisis was Units step up to support emergency operations and people in need.

arine Rescue NSW volunteers Mon the South Coast have been on sustained alert, working to protect and support their communities throughout a summer of bushfire chaos and devastation. The unprecedented fire season began in the State’s north in July but by year’s end, ferocious blazes had taken hold along the southern coastline, as well as in dense bushland around Greater Sydney. The fire emergency transformed the holiday season into “the summer that wasn’t”, in the words of MR Kioloa Unit Commander Peter White, running into February before torrential rain fell on much of the coastline. After seven months, emergency efforts turned abruptly from firefighting to storm and flood operations. Across the season in NSW, 25 The eerie red glow of summer on the South Coast over the fleet in Bermagui Harbour. Photo: Caron Parfitt. lives were lost - including three NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers and three American waterbombing storms and coastal flooding. air crew members - 2,400 “I am proud that our people homes destroyed, countless local have responded so generously and businesses impacted, hundreds of effectively to help people in any way millions of animals killed and 5.5 they were able,” he said. million hectares of land burnt. As the bushfire threat moved Commissioner Stacey Tannos south at the end of 2019, the thanked MRNSW volunteers and coordinated response planning staff for their extended contribution that had been activated in the to the bushfire emergency State’s north before Christmas operations and support for impacted was extended across the Illawarra communities, while maintaining their and Monaro regions. Crews were core operations. placed on standby, assets pre- “This wasn’t your classic boating deployed to support neighbouring Road to ruin ... charred bushland lining the Princes Highway. summer,” he said. “Conditions were units, firefighters and communities far from ideal and traffic on the and communications plans were water was down in many areas as a readied to provide back-ups and to residents and visitors forced to Allan Brook navigated Ulladulla 20 result. But our members steadfastly redundancies in case of damage to seek shelter after being evacuated through smoke and poor visibility on maintained their watch over those infrastructure or loss of power and from their homes and holiday the water to resupply firefighters and vessels that were out and sadly, essential communications networks. accommodation. evacuate five children whose family again were integral to operations As the fires ran down the The Currowan fire burnt through had sought refuge on the beach. searching for missing people and coastline, MRNSW units were ideally almost half a million hectares in the On January 2, the unit led a boats.” placed to assist, with our volunteers Shoalhaven region before it was resupply operation, ferrying donated He said volunteers in all regions helping to staff local and regional finally declared out on February food, water and baby supplies to had demonstrated their versatility Emergency Operations Centres, 8. On December 5, as firefighters the Lake Conjola community, where and determination to step in where providing communications services battled to save homes around Kioloa people had been forced on to boats required to assist people in need for the RFS, assisting at evacuation and Bawley Point, MR Ulladulla and into the water to escape the throughout the fires, followed by the centres and opening their doors Unit Commander Dave Hall and flames. A conga line of people

18 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS BUSHFIRES Special report community service in action: Commissioner

Rescue vessels from MR Ulladulla and Jervis Bay were pre-deployed to MR Sussex Inlet in readiness for evacuations or transportation to and from isolated communities on the St Georges Basin. Photo: Aaron Hayward. waded out through the surf to ferry on the RFS Bush Fire Information “Like the North Coast last year, “This is community service in the goods back to the beach. Line over two months. the South Coast has been through a action. Our volunteers’ team spirit, Detailed logistical planning was Senior members of staff, traumatic experience and I wanted professional grit and determination put into place ahead of the forecast including Deputy Commissioner to ensure our own volunteers knew to dig deep has been obvious to all. severe conditions on New Year’s Eve Dean Storey, Director of Operations that they would have all possible “People are tired and no doubt as a southerly buster tore up the Andrew Cribb and Greater Sydney support that they needed from feeling the same tension as coast. In a relay operation, crews and Hunter/Central Coast Regional MRNSW,” he said. “Our people everyone else in their communities from MR Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay Operations Managers Glenn Evans have stepped up and stepped in but they are resilient. and Narooma transported medical and Steve Raymond were based at to support their communities, their “I am remarkably proud of their supplies and generators down the RFS State Operations Centre emergency services colleagues and commitment and grateful for their the coastline so MRNSW bases for sustained periods as Liaison each other. service.” and Surf Life Saving Clubs from Officers to coordinate MRNSW Ulladulla to Bermagui could maintain emergency support. Illawarra ROM operations and provide essential Bruce Mitchell was based in the first aid. Vessels from Ulladulla and Shoalhaven Emergency Operations Jervis Bay were twice redeployed Centre and after defending his to MR Sussex Inlet ready for rapid own property, Monaro ROM Glenn activation on St Georges Basin. Sullivan relocated to the MR Members of the Batemans Bay, Batemans Bay base to provide Eden, Bermagui and Narooma units around-the-clock support and joined community agencies assisting logistical coordination. at evacuation centres, registering In January, Commissioner Tannos people as they arrived and putting and Deputy Commissioner Storey their well-known catering skills to visited units in the Illawarra and MR Bermagui members Dennis Walker and Ray McLeod at work in good use. The MR Narooma base Monaro to thank volunteers for the kitchen of the local evacuation centre on New Year’s Day. opened its grounds for people their contribution to the bushfire to camp and use its facilities, emergency operation and support including the bathrooms, kitchen for the community. and a single working landline phone. The Commissioner also visited the The Batemans Bay and Ulladulla Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast units also welcomed evacuees and a meeting of senior personnel to their bases. MR Merimbula was relocated from Headquarters to volunteers maintained overnight support the South Coast. communications for the RFS, while The Commissioner said the MR Port Stephens continued to South Coast units, like their provide operational personnel in northern counterparts, had been the communications centre at the well prepared to assist members Hunter Fire Control Centre. of the community facing extreme The MRNSW response also saw hardship as a result of the Greater Sydney and Central Coast devastation, isolation and power and Crews from MR Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay and Narooma ferried volunteers fill more than 200 shifts communications black outs. generators and medical supplies in a relay operation down the coast.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 19 BUSHFIRES Special report

Communications network proves resilience Infrastructure destroyed and damaged but core radio services maintained.

ritical MRNSW communications the benefits of the infrastructure Cinfrastructure on the Far South and systems improvements we Coast was destroyed and newly- have made and our commitment upgraded equipment extensively to reactive maintenance through damaged as fires tore across their our agreement with Karera bushland locations. Communications.” Director of Operations Andrew Mr Cribb said the Clyde Mountain Cribb said the radio communications fire had torn uphill to the Round Hill tower in the Mt Imlay National Park tower, bringing down power lines south of Eden would need to be and devastating the countryside. rebuilt. “We were able to maintain Equipment on Round Hill, south communications through other of Batemans Bay - upgraded in locations and technicians from October to eliminate blackspots and Karera were on site as soon as improve reception - had sustained possible to restore the network,” he significant damage in the Clyde said. “We arranged an emergency Mountain fire on New Year’s Eve. escort to get them to the site and Widespread power and across downed power lines. The site Scorched and scarred equipment on the recently-upgraded Round telecommunications outages also was operational again within days, Hill communications tower south of Batemans Bay. disrupted phone services and radio which was remarkable.” communications relayed via the He said plans to install generators would take a further three months. by evacuations and road closures. internet as part of the MRNSW to reinforce the solar power supply “The site on top of Mt Imlay was “People were fighting to save communications backbone. to the Mt Imlay tower late last too hazardous for us to access but their own homes and being “We had planned for the year had been postponed when the Rural Fire Service and National evacuated but our units dug deep to eventuality that we would lose key the helicopter needed to transport Parks and Wildlife Service carried stay on the air for all but the most assets in the network and had equipment to the inaccessible out a site inspection for us,” he said. minimal periods,” he said. “I also technicians on standby to make bushland site was diverted to “Everything is pretty much lost: want to thank MR Terrey Hills, whose rapid repairs and plans to work firefighting operations. As it all the solar panels, wiring, feeders, members shouldered an additional around any failures,” Mr Cribb said. happened, the infrastructure on site cabling, aerials and batteries. It burden when their colleagues really “This planning paid off and we was damaged beyond repair, with all needs to be replaced but the did need extra support. were able to maintain our services equipment right to the top of the temporary installations will enable “At various points, Terrey Hills along the coastline with only minor 13m tower burnt and melted. us to maintain our core services.” took over the watch for Eden, disruptions to the south of Eden for Mr Cribb said interim repairs to Mr Cribb paid tribute to the South Bermagui and Iluka Yamba around two days in early January. install temporary VHF radios had Coast units for maintaining their the clock and also supported MR “Above all, this proved the been completed in early March but services with very few days offline, Point Danger when its radio room resilience of our network and the rebuild of the core infrastructure despite rostering difficulties caused flooded in the February storms.”

Our volunteers ensure public well-informed inety-two MRNSW volunteers said volunteers had worked day and Nlent their communications night shifts to ensure the community expertise to support the operation received accurate, clear information to keep the public informed about on fire activity, evacuations, road bushfire activity and operations. closures and other vital matters. The members, from all Greater “Our members’ radio training Sydney Region units and MR Central equips them well to assist people Coast, filled 208 shifts answering who may be anxious and in need of public calls to the RFS Bush Fire reassurance,” he said. Information Line between November Commissioner Stacey Tannos 19 and January 11. thanked the members for filling Greater Sydney Regional every shift that was needed in a Commissioner Stacey Tannos visits members Craig Bekker, Dianne Operations Manager Glenn Evans forceful show of volunteer solidarity. Milton and David Bornstein at the RFS Bush Fire Information Line.

20 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS BUSHFIRES Special report

Marine radio saves five in fire emergency VHF only communication channel to summon help as flames flare up.

he state’s marine radio network Di Bella had been a member of MR Tsaves lives on the water but in Batemans Bay for more than 12 an amazing tale of survival, it has years before taking a break from been used to save five people on an duty in July to finish building a new isolated rural property under threat house. His call, on VHF Channel 16, from the Clyde Mountain bushfire was picked up by the MRNSW radio west of Batemans Bay. infrastructure on Round Hill and The fire had done its worst in relayed via the internet to MR Terrey the horror conditions on Saturday, Hills, where radio operator Toby Lord January 3, destroying Angelo and took the call. Julie Di Bella’s Benandarah house. “I could tell they were trying to The next night it struck again, suss out whether it was a hoax call with flames flaring up as they but I gave them the address and told shared dinner with their neighbours them we were trapped and not able but widespread communications to get out,” Mr Di Bella said. MR Batemans Bay volunteer Angelo Di Bella’s urgent call for help on marine radio reached MR Terrey Hills. outages meant they had no way to “They rang Triple Zero and the call the emergency services. Rural Fire Service came straight out. In a quick thinking move, Mr Di We were very pleased to see them. help and our robust network proved runner on me. We had to leave her Bella ran to his neighbour’s boat They were so great, they stayed reliable so they were able to get an behind but the next morning when moored at the end of his waterfront there all night and when it was safe RFS strike team out there and save we came in, there she was waiting property and grabbed the marine they went the next morning. five lives. at the front door for us. She had dug radio on board to make a desperate “Now I know how people feel “Of course, our radio network is a hole to escape the radiant heat call for help to save the group of five when we go to rescue them out at primarily there to save lives on the and survived. I couldn’t believe she residents. sea, the big smile we get. water but that one call alone justifies was there.” He said that marine radio call, “Two homes and the five of us all our work to bolster the network It was that night, as the Di Bellas answered by a MR Terrey Hills radio were saved by that call. Thankfully on the South Coast.” dined with their neighbours, that he operator, had saved the neighbours’ all the systems worked. I’m most The Di Bella’s unfinished, “not so made his radio call for help. Mr Di livable”, new home is the only roof Bella said the waterfront residents ‘Now I know how people feel when we go to over their heads after the house they on the peninsula had earlier relied rescue them out at sea, the big smile we get.’ had been living in was destroyed on on the water as a safe escape route January 3. until the fuel was stolen from two of lives and two homes. grateful we were able to get help “We’ve been fighting these fires the three boats they had ready. “We were eating dinner and it with the radio.” for a month. We got hit twice, once “We couldn’t believe someone flared up again. We saw it grow Director of Operations Andrew from the east - we managed to would do that. It was disheartening and we realised it was something Cribb said it was extremely fortunate survive that, we fought it and beat it to see that someone would do that pretty serious,” he said. “We’re on that MRNSW had recently invested - and then we got hit from the south. to someone’s means of escape a peninsula with the Clyde River on in upgraded infrastructure on Round “There was no hope at all, we had when there’s only one road in and one side and Cyne Mallows Creek Hill. to get out of here with our lives. It out.” on the other and there’s only one “Before we expanded our went right through my property. The He said his neighbour had been road in and out. communications infrastructure, that properties on either side survived heroic, saving two people’s lives on “We had no phone reception, no area was in a known blackspot and but we didn’t and the whole area his 5.5m centre console boat. radio, no TV, nothing at all. Someone we would not have been able to pick has been burnt out.” “There was an elderly lady and suggested we drive 10 kilometres up that call,” Mr Cribb said. The couple evacuated to the MR her husband; he went and dragged to get phone reception but we “The Round Hill communications Batemans Bay base, where “they them down into his boat and it’s just didn’t know if there would be any tower had been significantly welcomed us with open arms. It was as well, they might not have been (reception) there either. damaged when the hill was burnt overwhelming”. here otherwise,” he said. “Then I remembered our on New Year’s Eve. We were able to They returned home next morning Mr Di Bella has since returned to neighbour had a boat with a maintain communications through to find the house they had been duty at the local Batemans Bay unit. radio. I ran down and turned it on other locations and our technicians living in while they built their new “I always loved Marine Rescue and thankfully the batteries still were on site at Round Hill as soon home had been destroyed but their and being there. I’ve kept in touch worked and I got through to Marine as possible to restore the network. 13-year-old miniature Jack Russell, with them, they’re good people. Rescue.” “Angelo thought outside the box, Pip, waiting for them. When you’ve been there so long you A marine Master and trainer, Mr grabbing a VHF radio to call for “She disappeared and did a become part of the family.”

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 21

BUSHFIRES Special report

Good Samaritan mission to evacuate children I’m forever in their debt: Mum praises Ulladulla crew for saving family from fires.

olunteers from Marine Rescue VUlladulla 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. 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. Go well ... Ulladulla 20 crew member Allan Brook farewells Sandra Zerafa and her family after evacuating On December 5, Ulladulla Unit them from the Bawley Point beachfront on December 5. Photo: Dave Hall. Commander David Hall and Allan Brook navigated through choking NSW Ambulance to check the Three lives and 89 homes were Officer David Lindley loaded the smoke and poor visibility to evacuate group’s condition before they lost when fire roared through Lake supplies, donated by Shoalhaven the children who had left home to headed for an evacuation centre in Conjola on New Year’s Eve, leaving group Tread Lightly, on board UL 20 seek refuge on the sand at Bawley Ulladulla. the small community without power, for the 6nm journey by sea. Point. Sandra Zerafa later thanked the food or water. UC Hall said about two dozen UC Hall said the unit had initially crew on social media. Residents and tourists were people had assembled on Conjola been requested to transport water “They saved my family from the forced to flee into the lake to escape Beach to meet the rescue vessel, and medical supplies to fire crews fires. Allan and Dave I commend the massive fires bearing down on with a jetski and a conga line of protecting property at Bawley you. I love you all so much,” she the waterfront. people ferrying the supplies to shore Point before being alerted to the said. “What would I have done MR Ulladulla again was quick through the surf. youngsters on the beach. without them. I (am) forever in to go to the aid of those in need, He said the Ulladulla volunteers He said the smoke had made their favour and debt. God please ferrying essential food and baby had been ready to help communities it difficult to breathe and had help our emergency personnel to supplies to the small isolated impacted by the fires in any way significantly limited visibility on the get through this time. You’re all community. UC Hall and Training they could throughout the crisis. water as UL 20 headed south. amazing.” “We were half a mile off Bawley Deputy Commissioner Dean Point and we couldn’t see land. The Storey praised the crew’s efforts. conditions were a bit rough, too,” “These children were no doubt he said. distressed by the bushfires and I’m He said the children, three sure the sight of our rescue vessel younger girls and two older boys, emerging through the smoke was had been aged between six and 14 very reassuring,” he said. years. “Our crew members, along with After the crew unloaded the radio operator Deb Talty maintaining supplies for the firefighters, the communications in the MR Ulladulla children were taken on board, radio base, deserve thanks for their fitted with lifejackets and placed in swift and professional response the cabin for the return journey to to assist people who needed help UIladulla. quickly. Navigational skill and The mother of four, who was the situational awareness is needed aunt of the fifth, also decided to when the smoke is heavy enough make the trip. to cut visibility on the open water to A jet ski and members of the public form a conga line to relay The vessel was met by a waiting this extent.” essential supplies from Ulladulla 20 to the Lake Conjola beachfront.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 23 BUSHFIRES Special report

Rick swaps radio duties for weeks at firefront Behind the wheel at 50 blazes in six months: we saw some terrifying things.

ick Murray swapped his routine see the flames tearing up both sides Rduties in the MR Wooli radio of the roadway into the trees but you base overlooking the risky local bar can’t see to the other side. crossing to stare down a far more “You think it’s probably safe, it’ll confronting threat this summer. be hairy to get through but 20kms As one of the Glenugie Rural Fire up the road, someone has rung 000 Brigade’s two truck drivers, Rick and we’re the only people between attended 50 fires across the large here and Glen Innes who can help Clarence Valley between July and them. It’s pretty clear. Christmas. “Everyone is ducking down from With the brigade reliant on the the heat, the adrenaline’s pumping drivers of its two tankers, the semi- and there are a few scary moments retired tourism consultant often but you come out the other side. spent five days or nights or more a “Everyone came home safe and week on the fireline. that’s the main thing.” MR Wooli radio operator and crew member Rick Murray, who saw action at 50 fires as a truck driver with the Glenugie RFS Brigade. “We went to every locality in the He said the fires in the region had Clarence. We saw some terrifying stopped not long after Christmas things,” he said. when the rain finally came. Broken Hill and Moree were at on Christmas Day to spare his “We were out west of Grafton on “It was magic, just perfect,” he 192/193.” colleagues with families, he paid one of the really bad days; a lot of said. A member of the Coast Guard tribute to his fellow dual-volunteer houses were under threat and some “We had quite a drought, too. We in Darwin, Rick first joined the RFS Stephen Reading, the captain of had been lost. were the second worst area in the when he moved to the region before the Wooli RFS, and to the unit’s “We were asked to go and look State by the time it came to an end. signing up with MR Wooli in 2016. radio base coordinator Jackie Taffs after some 000 calls out the other “Over 100 on the (drought) index A mainstay of the unit’s radio for personally taking over his radio side of one of the fire fronts. You can is extreme and we were at 191. operations, who always volunteers shifts over the fire season.

Narooma base opens doors to evacuees Watch Officer sleeps on radio room floor to help people seeking shelter.

arine Rescue Narooma started resources, including its 4WD vehicle Mthe new year by providing a and office furniture, to assist police safe haven for residents and visitors in securing the area to ensure it was evacuated from the bushfire danger kept clear for emergency air access. zone. On January 2, as power began The unit, which was functioning returning in the vicinity of the base, on generator power, opened its people started to make their way grounds for people to camp and off the Narooma site, thanking the use its facilities, including the volunteers for their support and help bathrooms, kitchen and a single and saying they had felt safe with working landline phone to call family the unit members. members to assure them they were Watch Officer Ian Noormets said safe. the unit had ensured a radio watch With thick smoke blanketing the was maintained and that the base coastline and the sky alight with the facilities remained open to assist the red glow of the fires in the area, up evacuees around the clock. Bushfire evacuees who sought safe haven at the MR Narooma base. to 20 people, including Canadian “We needed to keep the radio tourists visiting the region with going. We had VHF and one landline here at the base because if we out of my van and threw it down. friends from Sydney, camped at the that has been up all the time,” he went home and closed up, people I’ve made some very good friends base. As the campers spread up said. “Everyone’s worked really well, wouldn’t have had access to the over the last couple of days. The the hill towards the helipad behind with a real sense of purpose. bathrooms and kitchen. Canadian lady thought it was great, the base, the unit used its available “I’ve been sleeping on the floor “I just dragged an old mattress she was really impressed.”

24 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS BUSHFIRES Special report

The spirit of the Blitz rises from the ruins Nothing left of Bermagui deputy’s home but chimney and twisted iron.

t 5.15am on New Year’s Eve we into Bermagui we decided to turn Ahad the message “Leave now”. left and secure a safe haven with It was pitch black and the power relations in Narooma. As it turned was off. out, that wasn’t safe either. We were Heather and I had a fire plan; the told later by our neighbours that cars were packed and one vehicle those three fire fronts coalesced had our camper trailer hitched on over our home and a self-generated in case we needed accommodation lightning strike totally demolished somewhere. The plan was to stay our 100 year-plus house, which and put out spot fires. How quickly we had lovingly restored over the things changed. With the fire pump previous 20 years. Our neighbours going flat out and three large fire escaped to higher, cleared, ground hoses ready, we hosed down the in their cars and felt the enormous house, verandas and anything we radiant heat wave some 200m thought needed it. Wearing head- away as our house was incinerated. torches, we grabbed the two dogs Nothing was left except the chimney. All that remains of MR Bermagui Deputy Unit Commander Alec and last items. Returning days later to assess Percival’s century-old home and Mayview in its prime (below). It was then that we saw a line the damage and see if anything of fire to the West, to the East, and remained, we were shocked to hen house, leaving a broody hen on straight ahead to the North. That be made aware just how intense the nest wondering what all the fuss was too much, we were off. the fire had been. Gas cylinders was about. Turning into the Cobargo had exploded, the pressed metal Everyone has been so helpful, Bermagui road and heading for ceilings were like tissue paper and and it is wonderful to see the Bermagui, we saw that the grass cast iron cooking pots had been community spirit so strong and and trees were alight across the welded together. A 2m by 750mm palpable. I was born during the road. We put our foot down, held our toughened glass sheet in the ensuite London Blitz and my mother was breath and drove through the flames bathroom was a molten ball with always talking about the “Blitz spirit” on to safer road. We were lucky mosaic tiles embedded in it. There where everyone came together and RFS radios, the evacuation centres because our neighbours told us was nothing left but the plastered helped each other. The Far South and even cooked and served meals later that minutes after our escape, brick chimney and sheets of twisted Coast and all the communities to evacuees. Marine Rescue really a very large gum tree came down roofing iron. Amazing how random within it are showing that spirit. is a “family” and we are all proud to on Coolagolite Rd and blocked all the fire was; it hit our house, the Marine Rescue throughout the belong. vehicle movements for some hours. old dairy and the “new” dairy but State pulled together and made us Alec Percival, Deputy Unit With the streams of traffic coming left the hay shed, workshop and the feel proud. Our members helped on Commander, MR Bermagui

Happy to see the kids off to a safer place awley Point resident Julie centre so while locked in at Bawley down near the beach where a lot of BLanglois was on the beachfront I was helping out at the RFS shed,” people had gathered,” she said. to capture the dramatic image on she said. “It had become a little “I didn’t think I was going to be our front cover of a crew from MR makeshift evacuation centre. This fully clothed, chest deep in water. It Ulladulla arriving through the smoke also helped us get an idea of who was challenging with the wind and to evacuate children from the path was still in town so we knew who to the waves dumping right on the of the Currowan bushfire. look out for and ensure they were shore. I did, however, love feeling Fire races toward Bawley Point. With the fire roaring toward the ok.” like I was contributing in some way.” village, Julie’s husband had stayed Julie said Community Association Julie said the two older boys had to defend their home and she was president Liza Butler had been been extremely helpful in helping absolutely amazing job along with keeping busy helping out at the organising supplies of food, water unload supplies for the RFS before the water bombers. Marine Rescue Bawley Rural Fire Service. and medications, along with a lift the children could board the boat. obviously had to pass the fire to the “I am a volunteer with Red Cross with Marine Rescue for the children. “We were happy to see them all north of Bawley that was travelling and as we had decided to stay I “She asked me to ensure the kids go to a safer place. We were saved to Lake Tabourie that day. It was couldn’t assist at the evacuation got on that boat as she knew I was by that southerly but the RFS did an coming from every direction.”

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 25 BUSHFIRES Special report xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx I am immensely proud: Merimbula deputy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Members fill overnight RFS radio shifts, help evacuees and then clean up.

hen you look at the map of WNSW South Coast, there aren’t many green patches left. Merimbula mercifully has remained unscathed but charred around the edges. We’re lucky to have no members lose their properties to the fires. By the end of February we were still not out of the woods, with seven fires still burning around our town and water bombers overhead. When it comes to the activities undertaken by our members throughout summer, I have to say I’m immensely proud of everyone. Unit Commander Bill Blakeman Ready to lend a hand ... MR Merimbula members Shane Osta, Wayne Flaherty, Peter Bowery, Bob and I worked at the Emergency Ainsworth and Stewart Dietrich, with another willing helper John Cameron (rear), at the emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Bega, evacuation centre at the Sapphire Club, Merimbula. taking split shifts of six-seven hours each, which didn’t include the hourly inflating mattresses, carrying commute in dense smoke and ash- luggage and assisting the elderly, filled skies. When Bill was forced to with food handling and in any other evacuate his home, I continued to way that assisted the public. fill the shifts for as many hours as I By the evening of January 5, could work. the Eden evacuation centre was MR Merimbula was not needed itself evacuated due to the fast for any on-water activities, approaching Border fire. Police although we had a crew on standby doorknocked the outer residential throughout this event. The radio properties and advised people base remained open until the to leave. People were bussed or worst day on Saturday, January 5, drove to the Sapphire Club or Bega reopening four days later. Showgrounds, both of which quickly I was coordinating our volunteers reached full capacity. The Merimbula The sky aglow over the Merimbula Rural Fire Service shed and Emergency Operations Centre carpark. Photo: Bill Blakeman. with any tasks raised at the EOC. A RSL and Tura Beach Golf Club critical role was filling the Rural Fire opened their doors and in Bega, Service radio shifts overnight for the Sport Stadium and Civic Centre from the RSL to the Sapphire Club returned home or beyond, our a number of days until their relief opened theirs. where medical staff were located. members continued to help the radio operators arrived. It required Six evacuation centres open at Members drove to local businesses various evacuation centres by two members from 6pm to 2am, once was unprecedented for the to purchase or collect donations deflating mattresses, moving then another two from 2am to 8am EOC. A call to all volunteers was of bedding materials, fans, food, bedding to storage facilities and over three nights. All 12 positions made and I became the coordinator medical items, drinks or anything even helping vacuum the carpets. were filled within an hour of sending for Rotary Merimbula, Rotary that was needed. All these activities happened with out the request. Pambula and the Lions Club as well Our members took strangers into ominous black skies, ash falling to In the lead-up to January 5, as MRNSW. Members of these other their own homes or found them coat everything and the thick acrid our members ran vital supplies to volunteer organisations were told to places to stay and took in prized smell of smoke all around. I had to the RFS crews’ staging posts and seek out our members in uniform to pets. When shops no longer had stand down a number of members helped with doorknocking to advise be tasked. I was told it was easy to stock of items needed, I sent out who would work all night and then members of the public it was best to do, as our volunteers in blue were requests to members for personal seek another tasking in the morning. leave for safer areas. Our members everywhere. Our members tended donations of mattresses, camping I seriously could not have been helped at the evacuation centres to the elderly overnight when the beds, sheets, blankets, pillows and any prouder to be part of Marine at the Sapphire Club at Merimbula nursing staff needed sleep. Day and towels. All were met. Rescue Merimbula and our local and Bega Showgrounds, registering night driver shifts were established When the worst of the fire community. displaced people, directing traffic, to move medical staff and patients activities were over and people Sonia Teston

26 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS BUSHFIRES Special report

Crew prevents potential bushfire catastrophe Hawkesbury team lauded as campers’ recklessness sparks anger.

ix young men who lit a campfire Service for investigation. Sin a National Park campground Reports of the group’s risky on the Hawkesbury River in behaviour sparked outrage on social horrendous weather conditions on media, with people calling for the January 4 recklessly risked igniting young men to feel the full force of a potentially devastating bushfire. the law. A crew from MR Hawkesbury A post on the Marine Rescue prevented a possible catastrophe, NSW Facebook page reached spotting the campfire during a 39,469 people and was shared patrol that morning and quickly 174 times. Lyn Sheehan echoed extinguishing it to prevent its escape the sentiment of the majority of 137 into the heavily-forested Marramarra comments: “Let’s hope they don’t National Park. get a slap on the hand. They all Authorities had warned of severe need to be fined. Putting everyone fire danger in the hot dry conditions, at risk.” imposing a statewide Total Fire Ban. Matthew Webster said: “Thank The temperature in Penrith you I live directly across river reached 48.9 degrees just after with only a mere 46 degrees 3pm, making it one of the hottest and a vicious dry nor westery places on earth and setting a new accompained by a late southerly record for the Sydney basin before buster that fire if it had spread could a southerly buster blew up in the have threatened any number of afternoon. surrounding community’s thru (sic) The crew of Hawkesbury 21 was spotting. Not to mention the month The men pack up their campsite before asking the crew from Marine patrolling the river to ensure all of resources and man hours to put Rescue Hawkesbury to transport them out of the National Park. visitors had left the area’s National it out given its limited access. Well Parks, which were closed to the done.” public, when they were waved down MRNSW Commissioner Stacey by the six men, who were camping Tannos said the Hawkesbury beside the river at Gentlemans Halt volunteers had without doubt in the Marramarra National Park, to prevented the potential ignition of a ask for water. serious bushfire in Sydney’s north. On approach, the rescue crew “If that fire had escaped into the spotted smoke from the burning bush, given the high temperatures campfire, despite the Fire Ban and and winds, it could have started a the group’s proximity to the thick significant blaze,” he said. surrounding bushland, and swiftly David McMonnies, from the went ashore to extinguish the fire. Berowra Waters Rural Fire Service, A crew member on board said the also praised the crew. temperature in the area at the time “Even when the brigade had was almost 50 degrees. investigated in the afternoon “They were absolute fools,” she all camp fires were rechecked, said. however, the subject one was still The crew advised the men to very very hot under the timber and The campfire extinguished by the crew of Hawkesbury 21. pack up their camp and leave the earth,” he said. park immediately but they instead “Commissioner Tannos is correct asked to be transported to Kangaroo if HK (sic) 21 had not taken action helping to place signage advising other public agencies to assist and Point, where they were met by a we could have had a very bad of park closures and checking they protect the community,” he said. parent. They said they had hiked weekend. Well done HK 21!” were clear of people during extreme “Our thanks to the crew from about 10km to the campsite the Commissioner Tannos said crews conditions. Marine Rescue Hawkesbury for their previous night. from MR Hawkesbury had been “This is another example of the vigilance and professional response Their details were handed to local working closely with the National close working relationships between to prevent what could have been a NSW Police and the NSW Rural Fire Parks and Wildlife Service for weeks, the state’s emergency services and major emergency.”

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 27 AFTER THE FIRES Special report

Boaters urged to stay off water as torrential February deluge breaks back of bushfire crisis after eight long months.

he rain all of NSW had hoped Tfor finally fell on firegrounds and some drought-stricken regions on February 8 and 9 - in a severe weather event that prompted MRNSW to appeal to boaters to stay off the water in the hazardous conditions. The widespread and welcome rainfall was enough to break the back of the bushfire crisis, extinguishing a number of large blazes still burning, including the huge Currowan fire that burnt xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx almost 500,000 hectares in the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Shoalhaven region over 75 days. The big wet was accompanied, however, by a potent cocktail of adverse conditions - strong Help from above ... the crew of Hawkesbury 22 was assisting this houseboat wedged on a large tree, when a chopper landed on its rooftop helipad to lend a hand. Photo: Sarah Adair. winds and damaging surf on top of abnornally high tides - that spelt danger for boaters and saw MRNSW Assistant Director of he said. Mr Whittaker urged rock Crews from MR Broken Bay, emergency services abruptly shift Training Brad Whittaker joined the fishers to stay off ocean-facing Cottage Point and Hawkesbury focus to respond to flash flooding Bureau of Meteorology to appeal to platforms, boaters already on the responded to several houseboats, and storm damage in many areas of people to take extra caution in the water to find a safe anchorage cruisers and yachts being battered the State. wild conditions. and owners to check their vessels’ by waves as they drifted on With towns deluged by between While our volunteers would moorings, storm covers and bilge Pittwater, Broken Bay and the 250 and 300mm of rain, rising river be standing ready, Mr Whittaker pumps. Hawkesbury. heights saw rescue vessels in units cautioned that did not mean it was Despite the warnings, numerous MR Broken Bay Unit Commander as far afield as Wooli and Tuross safe to go out on the water. boats and other craft were washed Jimmy Arteaga said a luxury bed sitting high above the decks of their “We would ask you to consider off their moorings drifting on to rock and breakfast houseboat had come jetties on the swollen Wooli Wooli the safety of yourself, your friends walls, shorelines and beaches on adrift near Sandy Point on the and Moruya rivers. and family you might be considering both the coastline and enclosed eastern side of Pittwater, drifting to MRNSW crews reported 4-5m taking out with you and also the waters, including on the Central the western side before taking its breaking waves inside Broken Bay lives of the rescue agencies who Coast, Hawkesbury River, Pittwater, own anchor again. and 2.5m waves under the Sydney might have to come and help you Shellharbour, Ulladulla Harbour and “We attended to see what we Harbour Bridge. if there’s a problem on the water,” Shoalhaven and Crookhaven rivers. could do but due to the conditions

This luxury houseboat broke off its mooring on Pittwater and drifted MR Point Danger’s radio base, in the Captain Cook Lighthouse, seen loose in the wind and rain. Photo: Mike Charlton. through the rain from Duranbah Beach. Photo: Paul Buchanan.

28 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS AFTER THE FIRES Special report rain and wind cause havoc on wild weekend and its size, there was no way we could do anything. Luckily, the tugboat Kiera was on hand to tow the houseboat back to its mooring. “We provided support and kept a safety perimeter to ensure they had ample room to work,” he said. A vessel moored in its home port at Terrigal Haven near MR Central Coast’s Terrigal base was observed on the base’s CCTV system to be down at the bow during the early evening on Sunday, February 9. Unit member Shaun Smith said the owner had been made aware of the situation but it was deemed too dangerous to go out to get the Floating bushfire debris poses a hazard to vessels on the Crookhaven River. Photo: Danielle Carter. vessel in the storm force conditions. The CCTV system was used to monitor the boat’s condition but it drier conditions on the morning the Shoalhaven and Crookhaven vessels on their moorings and eventually capsized, with the liferaft of Monday, February 10, the crew rivers washed thousands of tons of causing them to drag or break loose. floating free and deploying. The jetty of Hawkesbury 22 was called to burnt debris from the fire grounds MR Shoalhaven was kept busy at the South Base of the nearby MR assist a houseboat with a large tree into the rivers, with large trees investigating vessels that were adrift Tuggerah Lakes was under water wedged underneath the hull, anchor and other bushfire debris fouling and in danger. but the building was spared. and winch. The heavy rains and wind Crew member Sarah Adair said washed huge amounts of debris shortly after HW 22 arrived, the into waterways along the coastline, boat’s owner informed them that especially in countryside that had it was also used as a helipad and been impacted by the bushfires, a chopper would be arriving in the leaving fallen and unstable trees and next few minutes with a few friends other vegetation behind. to assist him. MRNSW units issued warnings to The crew attached a towline and local boaters to beware submerged got to work to free the boat from the or semi-submerged debris that tree, watching the chopper land. could cause navigation hazards or “It’s not often we get to tow a damage to engines and propellers, houseboat and a helicopter at the possibly disabling vessels. same time,” Sarah said. Wooli 30 sits above the level of the jetty deck on the swollen Wooli While on a refuelling voyage in Further south, major flooding on Wooli River.

Going, going, gone ... the CCTV system at MR Central Coast’s Terrigal base captured this large cruiser sinking in the wild conditions at Terrigal Haven, with its liferaft breaking loose from beneath the upturned hull and deploying.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 29      

    2 / 49 Gavenlock Road TUGGERAH NSW 2259

w w b ! www. . O . @ . PICTURE GALLERY Marine Rescue NSW at work

What we’ve been up to

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Highway high-vis … the new vehicles in the MRNSW fleet feature eye-catching modern graphics. Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin (right) hands over the first of the upgraded Toyota Land Cruisers to Regional Operations Managers Randall Gawne (Mid North Coast), Steve Raymond (Hunter/Central Coast), Bruce Mitchell (Illawarra), Glenn Evans (Greater Sydney) and John Murray (Northern Rivers). Photo: Brad Whittaker.

On the air ... MR Point Danger Coxswain Courtney Greenslade joins Future master and commander ... Bobby Breskal, the son of Marine  Weekend Mornings presenter Simon Marnie in the ABC Sydney Rescue Port Macquarie member Rob Breskal, tries on a dress    radio studio for our weekly MRNSW update and weather report. uniform cap for size on Australia Day. 2 / 49 Gavenlock Road TUGGERAH NSW 2259

w w b ! www. . O . @ . Good tidings ... Emergency Services Minister David Elliott meets First day on the job ... new Fleet Officer Sean Jewiss climbs down to Regional Training Manager Jane Shirriff and MR Port Jackson inspect the engine on retired NSW Police boat Fearless, which is to member Brian Jago at Christmas in the Hills in December. become the new ocean-going MR Lord Howe Island rescue vessel.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 31 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Seasonal winds, weed keep boaties on shore Evans Head benefits from upgraded infrastructure to replace broken boat lift.

he bushfires on the North Hartland and Ian Murray on board, TCoast were replaced by strong to a disabled trawler that had lost its northerlies that clogged beaches main engine power and was drifting and rivers with weed, keeping north about 7nm out to sea. recreational fishers off the water. The vessel was towed in calm While this reduced the number conditions to a safer position on an of incidents to which MR Evans anchorage close to the entrance Head crews were called to respond, where it could wait overnight for commercial vessels were still repairs next morning. at work, leading to two rescue The unit received a most operations. welcome Christmas present in the On December 15, the unit form of upgraded infrastructure. received a call for help from Our ageing cradle berth broke Evans Head 30 crew members Kira Hartland, Ken Exley, Hugh Johns a charter fishing vessel that late last year, meaning EH 30 was and Ian Murray return the unit’s rescue mannequin to shore after a successful man overboard training exercise. experienced a mechanical problem unable to be lifted from the water. on its maiden voyage. A new Aqua Lift was delivered Skipper Kira Hartland, crew Ian and installed by last light on and Hugh Johns earning his and their communities even as their Murray, Brad Burgess, Hugh Johns Christmas Eve. Great work by Crew rating and Rohan Shanahan own homes and livelihoods were and Ken Exley activated Evans the company, which adapted the qualifying as an MR Radio Operator. also under threat. Head 30 to tow the vessel to a product to suit our catamaran and Rohan is coming to the end of his MR Evans Head members safe anchorage and transport the fit within the confines of the existing provisional membership and is well supported the Local Emergency passengers ashore before returning boat shed. on the way to his MR Crew rating, all Management Committee and Local to tow the boat back across the bar With fewer incidents, the unit before his 17th birthday. Controllers during the North Coast into the marina. was able to focus on training Well done to all the MRNSW fires, with particular thanks to Jim On January 6, EH 30 was over summer, with a First Aid and volunteers further south who Roberts for his co-ordination efforts. deployed with skipper Bill Bates, Kira Resuscitation course in mid-January provided valuable support to the RFS Bill Bates

Rip rescue prompts new warnings for surfers Two men swept off Tallows Beach winched from rocky cliffs to safety.

n emergency operation to being transferred to hospital. Arescue two surfers caught in A strong rip running rapidly out a hazardous rip sweeping north from Cosy Corner, at the southern around Cape Byron has resulted in end of the unpatrolled Tallows new warnings about dangerous local Beach, can wash surfers out to ocean currents. sea, where they can be caught in Crews from MR Brunswick and the northerly current and dragged Ballina and the Westpac Lifesaver around the headland’s rocky cliffs Rescue Helicopter were deployed on towards Wategos Beach - known December 8 after reports the two locally as taking the Tour de Cape. men had not returned after surfing Trying to escape by climbing the at Tallows Beach, south of the cape. cliffs is ill advised, risking injury and The men were located on the being bashed against the rocks and Strong, rapid currents around the Cape Byron headland pose a threat rocks beneath the lighthouse but sucked back under water. to surfers. Inset: new warning signs have been installed. the tumultuous sea state prevented A 20-year-old Irish backpacker Brunswick 30 from reaching them. A drowned after being swept out to personnel and surfing community the dangerous current, urging them critical care paramedic was lowered sea in July 2014 and an American stakeholders. It was agreed that new “If caught avoid rocks and wave to the men, who were winched to tourist drowned in May 2010. warning signs should be installed as for help”. MR Byron Deputy Unit the chopper and flown to waiting Following the latest rescue, the a priority. The signs have since been Commander Syl Reid said it was a NSW Ambulances for treatment of National Parks and Wildlife Service erected on all three access tracks great example of agencies working minor cuts and abrasions before convened a meeting of MRNSW to Cosy Corner to alert surfers to together for a common cause.

32 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Australia Day spectacular summer highlight Ballina volunteers open their unit doors to talk boating safety.

olunteers from MR Ballina throughout summer for regular Vseized the opportunity to engage training sessions and rescues. with the community throughout This effort came hot on the January, promoting boating safety heels of 2019, during which crews and building awareness of their role launched 28 rescue missions, saving lives on the water. ranging from tows to escorting a Members spent the last three wayward whale from the Richmond weekends of the school holidays River. Our radio base handled more firing up the barbeque to serve the than 14,000 radio calls and Logged public our popular breakfast bacon On 3,040 boats. and egg sandwiches. With the intense rain throughout This culminated in the unit’s February, many submerged items annual Open Day on the Australia were carried down the river and Day long weekend. across the bar, including almost The highlight was a spectacular intact trees. Some local navigational sail and fly past featuring the markers moved but have since been unit’s rescue vessel Ballina 30, restored. Evans 30 from MR Evans Head Congraulations are due to a and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue number of our members. One of Helicopter. our few female radio operators, Thanks to all three crews for their Margaret Bryant, received her contribution to a successful day. five-year service pin in late 2019 On land, we opened our base and Lorraine Leuckel was awarded for public tours, creating a visitors’ a Certificate of Meritorious Service centre to share our history, talk for her commitment to training and Ballina 30 and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter put on a about what we do and how the assessment. show for the MR Ballina Open Day. Photo: Jo Hurley. community can help and most Four members gained new importantly, share key safety qualifications: Duncan Woodhead Tony Powell (advanced first aid). refresher sessions to keep radio messages. The tour ended with a (coxswain), Richard Weber (radio Watch Officers Ken Delany and operators up to date on operations visit to the radio room. operator), David Jordan (radio Ray Tennent and Radio Officer and new developments. BA 30 was on the water operator and advanced first aid) and Norm Eather have run multiple radio Kath Begley

Council grant enhances Pt Danger’s outlook he clifftop MR Point Danger search and rescue operations,” she TSearch and Rescue Coordination said. “A huge thank you to Gold Centre offers uninterrupted views of Coast City Council for its generous the risky Tweed River bar and open funding.” waters beyond. Commissioner Stacey Tannos A new piece of equipment had the chance to test the new installed in the base has now bincoculars during a visit to Northern enhanced the vision of radio Rivers units in January. operators monitoring conditions and Boaters, surfers and other water rescue operations. users in the Tweed area have been Unit Commander Glenda Ashby warned about hazardous debris said the unit had purchased a washing down the river, over the bar Commissioner Stacey Tannos tries new binoculars at the MR Point Danger base, watched by Rick Vaughan and John McGovern. Skyhawk 9600 Binocular System out to sea and back on to beaches thanks to a $5,000 City of the Gold after the stormy weather in early Coast Community Grant. February. UC Ashby said large Crew trainees from the unit Training Manager Rodney Page, “This will certainly be a valuable trees and other debris could cause recently completed their survival unit Training Officer Courtney asset for our operators to use to serious damage to boats if skippers at sea and firefighting training at Greenslade and all who assisted and enhance their views offshore during did not keep a careful look out. Ballina. UC Ashby thanked Regional participated.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 33 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Focus returns to sea once rain falls on Wooli Bushfires take priority for unit members doing dual volunteer duty.

he challenge of maintaining an threatening the Wooli village during Textended radio watch, vessel one watch in the radio base. Four patrols and a rapid response days of concerted aerial and ground capability over the long summer containment brought this fire under holidays for a small unit like MR control. Wooli was compounded this year by Radio operator Rick Murray, the ongoing bushfire emergency. a member of the Glenugie RFS Several unit members double as Brigade, was in constant demand Rural Fire Service volunteers and as a fire truck driver from July to fighting fires became this summer’s January, fighting fires across the priority. region. His fire duty was often at Other members stepped up to night but he still found the time and cover absences and look after one energy to manage our radio roster another, especially the welfare of and complete a radio duty when those who had been on the firefront. available, including his traditional Wooli 30 crew member Nic Firth watches over a tow line to a vessel Radio base coordinator Jackie Christmas Day watch. that lost engine power on the Australia Day long weekend. Taffs ensured the base was In mid-January, Wooli finally operational every day, often received 250mm of rain, our radio Coffs 30 and Wooli 30 took up crossing the Wooli bar was caught completing daily duties over the six roster resumed and our focus the search the next day. Despite by a breaking wave and lost engine weeks. Unit Commander Citations returned to the sea. eight hours on the water, searching power but was able to get beyond were awarded to Lou Grayson, On the water, Wooli 30 assisted from the shoreline out to 3nm with any more breaking waves by using Rodney May, Rick Murray and Jackie with the search for a swimmer 6nm legs and 0.25 track spacing, its electric motor. Taffs for their dedication. missing off Mullaway Beach on nothing was found. Limited searches Once in safe water well beyond With fires burning across the January 20. A group of workers from continued for another two days. the bar, the skipper called the unit Northern Rivers in early January, a local blueberry farm who went A week later, a body washed for help to make it back across into Wooli radio operator Stephen for a late afternoon surf got into up on the beach just south of the the safety of the river. Reading, also the local RFS Brigade difficulties, with one member swept incident site, within the search area. A well-executed assist resulted in Captain, managed to maintain his out and lost to sight. Woolgoolga 30 An incident on the Monday of a grateful boater and satisfaction for radio duties, even coordinating the and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter the Australia Day long weekend members in a job well done. initial brigade response to a fire searched the area until dark and had a happier outcome. A vessel Richard Taffs

Two new coxswains in Brunswick’s ranks

fter a committed focus on Brunswick and Ballina spent a full- Atraining over summer, MR on day completing their fire and sea Brunswick has built its operational survival training at Ballina. capability and boosted the number Congratulations to Brian Peachey of coxswains in its ranks. and David Warren who put in many Unit Commander Jonathon hours on both water and land to Wilcock said MRNSW volunteers achieve their Coxswain qualification. devoted an enormous amount of The pair’s assessment was time to training to ensure they were conducted at Tweed Heads. Thanks rescue ready. to BR 30 crew members Barry Brunswick 30 travelled north for a McIntosh and Phil Bailey, MR Wooli joint training exercise with MR Point Unit Commander Richard Taffs on Danger on February 1, conducting board as Assessor and to MR Point a range of towing and emergency Danger’s Courtney Greenslade drills off Cook Island, south-east of and the crew of PD 30 for their Tweed Heads. assistance. Brian and David have On February 22, trainee crew also thanked Bill Spicer for his Up early for the best view of the day ... Brunswick 30 sets off at 5am members from Point Danger, mentorship throughout their training. for a training day with MR Point Danger. Photo: Jonathon Wilcock.

34 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

River operations end in joy and tragedy Missing crabber found safe but kayaker swept out in murky waters.

man who had been the subject They also spoke to campers, who A of a major land and water reported seeing nothing. search over three days on the Mid The search continued throughout North Coast was located safe early Christmas Eve and on Christmas on Christmas morning but a search Day Rescue Water Craft operators in mid-February ended in tragedy. Ron Rider and Dylan Cameron MR Trial Bay volunteers had headed out at 6am. At 6.25am, joined the search for Troy Anderson, Mr Anderson was located on land 44, late on December 23 after his a distance from his last known family alerted police that he had not position after becoming lost in the returned from a crabbing trip. bush. He was reported to be well He had last been seen when apart from dehydration. he left home about 2am that day. Mid North Coast Regional Trial Bay 30 skipper Peter Holyfield in the search for a missing kayaker on February 15. Coffs 30 is in a parallel search. His car was located at the Golden Operations Manager Randall Gawne Hole campground on the Macleay said the crew had navigated hazards River and local police began and shallow depths and searched found floating in murky conditions the search with Trial Bay 30, the searching withTrial Bay 30, the State under darkness, demonstrating the on the Macleay River at South West unit’s two RWCs and Coffs 30, a Emergency Service and the Police value of the unit’s regular training on Rocks. Police were told the man Marine Area Command vessel from Marine Area Command, Dog Squad the river to build local knowledge. was last seen with his kayak at a Coffs Harbour, the Westpac rescue and PolAir. “Our volunteers gave up time with boat ramp on New Entrance Road, helicopter, Surf Life Saving, the SES TB 30 skipper Jon Cragg and their own families to help another South West Rocks, about two hours and NSW Maritime. crew Peter Holyfield and Ian family at Christmas,” he said. earlier, ferrying supplies to his yacht A running group found the man’s Creswick searched the surrounding A coordinated operation was anchored off-shore. body on the beach at Scotts Head, waters late into the night with no mounted on February 15 for a Officers from the Police Mid about 17km north of South West result. 69-year-old man whose kayak was North Coast District coordinated Rocks early tne next day.

Youngest leader takes helm at Woolgoolga Crews join large-scale searches for three men missing off Mid North Coast.

arine Rescue Woolgoolga has Joining the unit in 2015, David Melected the youngest Unit is an accredited Radio Operator, Commander in the organisation. Base Operations Manager and Twenty-four-year-old Mitchell radio operator trainer. He is Harvey took over the reins, with currently undertaking his Cert IV David Forge as Deputy Unit upgrade, which will give the unit Commander, in mid-December, at another Assessor and Boat Licence the start of a busy season on the Examiner. water for unit crews. MR Woolgoolga crews joined two Unit members have thanked major coordinated searches over outgoing Commander Tony Skalla summer. for the countless hours and effort The volunteers worked alongside he put into the unit’s development, their colleagues from MR Coffs At the helm... new MR Woolgoolga Deputy Unit Commander particularly the relocation to its new Harbour and Nambucca and David Forge and Unit Commander Mitch Harvey with outgoing Arrawarra base, new tractors and other emergency services in the Commander Tony Skalla. vessel upkeep. search for two fishermen who left Mitch has been a member of the Coffs Harbour for Sawtell Reef on of a missing swimmer. Witnesses The crew of Woolgoolga 30 unit since 2011, serving as Deputy December 28 and failed to return. told police the 22-year-old man, an searched into the night alongside Unit Commander for the past year Three weeks later, emergency Argentinian backpacker, entered the members of the Coffs/Clarence and Training Officer since June services were called to Mullaway water and got into trouble. Police, Marine Area Command, 2016. He is an active vessel Master Beach, south of Arrawarra Headland, A friend attempted to rescue him Surf Lifesaving and the Westpac and Watch Officer. late on January 20 after reports but was unsuccessful. Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 35 MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Searches mounted for missing, late vessels Repeated incidents highlight need for boaters to Log Off at journey’s end.

fter spending November on high wharf. A 4.6m runabout with two Aalert for emergency bushfire people on board that broke down evacuations, MR Camden Haven about 5nm south-east of the bar stepped up its on-water patrols to was later returned to safety. keep watch for boaters in trouble A search was rapidly mounted on throughout December and January. December 28 after the unit received Crews were a highly visible a report of a vessel sinking 3nm off presence on the Camden Haven North Haven Beach but suspended Inlet and Watson and Queens Lakes after no trace was found of a boat on board Camden Haven 30 and in distress. Two reported sightings RHIB CH 10. of red flares off North Haven Beach The unit’s activities included similarly sparked a comprehensive assisting broken-down vessels both offshore search without result. offshore and on enclosed waters On New Year’s Eve, CH 30 Camden Haven 30 returns a vessel back across the bar to safety. and a number of search missions joined the multi-agency search for in response to missing people and two fishermen missing from Coffs of skippers Logging Off after Less than a week later, the unit vessels, reported flare sightings and Harbour, covering a search area completing their voyages. On repeated the same processes when overdue boats. from Tacking Point to Diamond Head December 27, the unit launched a boater was an hour late and did CH 30 was quickly on the scene before the search was called off search procedures, starting with not answer repeated phone and when a yacht broke down just after due to bad weather. On January 9, a canvass of all local boat ramps radio calls. Again, the skipper called entering the river, towing it to a the unit was tasked to search from looking for a boater’s vehicle and in to report he was safe but had secure mooring. Perpendicular Point to Lake Cathie trailer, when a vessel was flagged forgotten to Log Off. Both these While patrolling on December 21, beach for a missing person but as overdue on the Seahawk tracking cases demonstrated the value of the CH 10 was able to tow a stranded again, nothing was found. system. The search was called off Logging On system and fortunately vessel from the Queens Lake area to Two separate incidents when the owner rang the base to ended with positive outcomes. the Laurieton United Services Club highlighted the importance apologise for forgetting to Log Off. Ken Rutledge

Emergency services applauded at open day Forster-Tuncurry crew searches for 12 hours for man lost from capsized cruiser.

he annual MR Forster-Tuncurry participants and the valuable role TWater Safety and Open Day of volunteer emergency services on January 8 was a showcase of such as our own unit, which had just combined emergency services skill. come through a period of standby The event included participants support for the Rural Fire Service. from our neighbours at MR Crowdy Our unit launched 11 missions Harrington, the Westpac Lifesaver and Logged on 658 boats over two Rescue Helicopter, State Emergency months. The major operation began Service, Border Force, Surf Life with an EPIRB activation from a Saving and NSW Police, Maritime location 6.5nm east of Blueys Beach and Fisheries. early on Australia Day. A vessel with As well as enjoying a flare display, two men on board had capsized. Rescue Water Craft rescue and Forster 30, with skipper Ray Forster 20 on show at the Forster-Tuncurry unit’s annual Water Safety Forster 20 demonstrating drift dye Mazurek, Peter Nash, Peter Jelfs, and Open Day in January. in the channel, local residents and Kathryn Kent and Geoff Anderson on vistors could access information on board, quickly deployed on a search nearby container ship before being water for almost 12 hours assisting water and boating safety and the operation with Police, the Westpac transported back to Forster to meet in the search but the missing man, roles of the different agencies. helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft. waiting relatives. 74, could not be located. The cruiser Mayor David West and Myall A 37-year-old man was located Police divers confirmed no one drifted south and was located off the Lakes MP Stephen Bromhead about 3.30am by the helicopter was on board the upturned boat. coast of Bronte on January 30. applauded the amazing job by all and subsequently rescued by a Forster 30 and its crew were on the Fran Breen

36 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Eleven saved in two hours on run-out tide Daily patrols on treacherous Nambucca bar boost summer water safety.

leven people were rescued in six on January 8. At 1.15pm, Ken raced Eemergencies on a fast, strong to the scene on NH 11 after seeing tide on the Nambucca bar over two the jet ski roll over at high speed, hectic hours on one afternoon in the throwing the three people on board middle of the peak holiday season. violently into the water in the main MR Nambucca returned five channel. The three riders appeared swimmers, two snorkelers and a uninjured and were able to right paddle boarder safely to shore and the jet ski. While patrolling the river responded to a high-speed jet ski mouth at 2pm, Ken then observed accident throwing three people into two snorkelers clinging to the rock the water on the treacherous run- wall after getting into difficulty in the out tide on January 8. run-out towards the bar. They were Commissioner Stacey Tannos meets MR Nambucca Commander Gary They comprised half the 22 returned safely to the V Wall beach. Nichols, Deputy Colin Cracknell, Vaughn Thompsett and Ken Brandli while visiting Mid North Coast units in January. people rescued over the season, Just four minutes later, UC among countless others shadowed Nichols, on NH 12, rescued three until they reached safer water. young girls being swept out to sea returning to help retrieve, clean and Welcome, too, to our new recruits. There is an ongoing risk for as they tried to swim from the beach flush the craft so the operators could Since late December we have had a swimmers and others who can be to a sandbar. enjoy a cold drink before completing significant rise in interest in our unit easily swept up on fast and strong No sooner had he returned the their paperwork and logs. and the increase in numbers has run-out tides at the shallow river snorkelers to safety than Mr Brandli Thank you to all our members for been fantastic. We look forward to a mouth, which is why we operate saw an elderly paddle boarder who a job well done and for their great positive 2020. proactive Rescue Water Craft safety was not wearing a lifejacket being teamwork. Gary Nichols patrols on the bar through the peak swept out towards the bar. Reaching of the summer holidays. From the the man less than 100m from the original two RWC operators who river mouth, NH 11 took the craft began patrols three years ago, under tow. we now have five and are hoping At 3.05pm, NH 12 rescued a to have at least two more by next swimmer in difficulty being swept Christmas and eventually eight. out at the confluence of the two river The unit’s two RWC – including channels at Indicator Point, followed a new $20,000 model delivered in five minutes later by a swimmer time for the peak season – each attempting to swim from the beach was on patrol for six hours a day for towards a sand bar through the Hole 16 days, totalling almost 200 hours in the Rock at the Point. of enhanced safety on the water. The unit’s fantastic radio team RWC operators Unit Commander covered every hour the RWCs were Gary Nichols and Ken Brandli, with on patrol. Thanks to them and the communications support from radio members who just turned up at the Dreaming of that new: operator Barry Flynn, were on duty base, often as the RWC teams were Jetty, Floating, Pontoon or Marina Pen We are in your area and able to provide a free no obligation quote!

MR Nambucca Unit Commander Gary Nichols and Deputy Colin Cracknell, who was walking past as this landslide occurred opposite the Tel: 02 8091 1534 www.cm-consulting.com.au unit’s base on February 13.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 37 MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Two men, dog rescued in houseboat Mayday Port Macquarie puts on an Australia Day show before teeing off for fundraiser.

wo men made a Mayday call Tfor help when their houseboat rapidly sank off the Mid North Coast in a dramatic start to the New Year. Both MR Port Macquarie rescue vessels were rapidly deployed after the unit received the urgent call for help at 11am on January 1. The men, both wearing lifejackets, were travelling north up the coast from Dunbogan when the houseboat began taking in water just off Tacking Point Lighthouse. Port Macquarie 30 and PM 20 arrived on scene within 10 minutes Two men thank the crew of MR Port Macquarie after they were returned to safety with their dog after of being alerted to discover that the their houseboat sank on New Year’s Day. Photo: Greg Davies. boat had almost completely sunk. Nearby boaters had rescued the Brigade out to demonstrate the PM 30 had spotted the flare and 200 entrants. Unit member Christine men and a dog on board, who were firefighting capability onPM 30. was quickly on the scene. Dickson and her team did a stellar then returned to the unit’s boat Members captivated spectators PM 30 also led the Australia job organising this spectacular shed. during Australia Day celebrations on Day flotilla past Lady Nelson wharf event. This was one of 11 rescue the Hastings River, demonstrating and later berthed to welcome the The same weekend, RWC missions over the summer and their rescue and first aid skills. community on board. operators from MR Port Macquarie among almost 900 radio calls Crowds flocked to the foreshore Members of the unit executive and Trial Bay joined forces for a answered by the unit’s radio to watch vessels PM 30 and PM visited Headquarters and MR Port training exercise including simulated operators, still operating from the 20 and Rescue Water Craft PM 11 Kembla to trial rescue vessel PK 20 inshore and offshore rescues. boat shed following fire damage to conduct mock rescues, including in February. The views from Port In open waters off Trial Bay, the the Town Beach radio base. saving a wayward boatie who found Kembla radio base were reported to operators practiced conscious and The unit supported the 36th himself “lost at sea”. be the most stunning seen to date. unconscious pickups, tows and Golden Lure Game Fishing He managed to light a flare The unit’s Golf Day fundraiser transferring patients from an RWC Competition in January and on before slipping, knocking himself at Port Macquarie Golf Club on to a vessel, as well as completing January 5, took Brett Batten, the unconscious and falling into the February 23 proved to be an compulsory drills. visiting captain of the RFS Warrimoo water. outstanding success, with more than Yolanda Bosschieter

Coffs crews scour coast for three lost at sea

embers of MR Coffs Harbour at Trial Bay, whose body was found Mdevoted almost 200 hours of washed up on the beach the next volunteer time to carry out essential morning. end-of-summer maintenance on An earlier search was launched rescue vessel Coffs 30. when two fishermen went missing Within hours of returning to the after leaving Coffs Harbour, headed water after six days on shore, the for Sawtell Reef, on December 28 vessel headed north to Arrawarra to and failed to return. return a disabled vessel to safety. MR Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga The summer was marked by and Nambucca, along with Police, loss for the unit’s volunteers, who the Westpac Rescue helicopter joined two major coordinated search and Surf Life Saving, covered an operations. extensive area but the search was On February 15, Coffs 30 joined eventually suspended without All hands on deck ... members of MR Coffs Harbour pitch in to carry the search for a missing kayaker locating the men or their boat. out essential maintenance on their vessel, Coffs 30.

38 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News

Urgent search for kayaker ends in tragedy Tuggerah Lakes on water for multi-agency operation as New Year begins.

he New Year began on a sombre Command, Maritime and PolAir in Tnote for volunteers from MR the resumed search for the missing Tuggerah Lakes, who saw the clock kayaker. tick over to 2020 during an urgent TL 20 was despatched to take operation to find a kayaker missing local police on board after first in dark and blustery conditions on responding to a report of a vessel Budgewoi Lake. floating off Ourimbah Creek with Three kayakers who had ventured an unwell skipper on board but out on to the lake near the Toukley anchored and safe. Bridge about 7.45pm on New Year’s The 25-year-old kayaker was Eve were caught in the worsening found deceased on a sandbar in the conditions as a southerly tore along middle of the lake about 11am. the coastline and were unable to This operation came in the make their way back to shore. None middle of a busy holiday period, was wearing a lifejacket. which began with crews on stand Emergency services were alerted by for possible evacuations along about 8.30pm and the crew of the Hawkesbury River as bushfires Tuggerah Lakes 20, skipper Ian struck the Central Coast region. Hodge and Don Hobbs, supported Both the unit’s vessels were by Colin Thom on radio duty, were deployed to support the Christmas tasked to the search operation, Eve fireworks at The Entrance, along with NSW Police, NSW towing the fireworks barge into Maritime and a rescue helicopter. place and maintaining a boating Two of the kayakers were rescued exclusion zone, a task that proved 500m south of the Buff Point challenging with many members The PolAir helicopter and TL 21 during the search for a missing Reserve when a NSW Maritime of the public fishing in the channel kayaker, found deceased on New Year’s Day. crew heard them call out in the ignoring requests to move outside dark. Suffering from hypothermia, the safety perimeter. swimmer reported missing - later delivery of its new Naiad vessel. they were transferred for medical Five people, including three located safe and well - off the beach An ambitious recruitment attention. The crew of TL 20 children, were fortunate to escape at The Entrance on February 1. program has seen 26 provisional continued to scour the area between injury when their speedboat ran Torrential rain resulted in flooding members sign on, 22 of whom are Buff Point and Mandalong Point for on to a sand bar off Buff Point at over the jetty at the unit’s South now operational trainees. the remaining kayaker in the rough a speed of more than 30 knots Base, located at the North Entrance, As always, the unit’s fundraising conditions until stood down after on January 10. Unit Commander on February 12. Fortunately, neither team - the unsung heroes of midnight. Tony Younglove and Greg McNab base was inundated. MRNSW - have continued working in Later in the morning, TL 21 responded on TL 21. The unit has installed a new boat overdrive over the peak season. joined local police, the Marine Area The unit joined a search for a lift at its South Base ahead of the Bob Sutton

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SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 39 MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News

Summer swansong for Newcastle workhorse Bulk carrier takes right of way over fishing boat and rescue vessel.

s another boating season draws Stockton to Newcastle swim Ato a close, crew members on Australia Day when the MR from MR Newcastle are preparing Newcastle radio base received a to farewell the unit’s retiring call for help from a vessel stranded workhorse, Newcastle 30. about 3nm offshore at North Reef. A new 10m Naiad rescue vessel, The couple on board was happy due for imminent delivery, will take to keep fishing until after the swim the place of the 2002 Kevlacat, finished. When NC 30 was relieved which has completed a busy of its duties, it headed out in a summer on the water. choppy sea with a 2m swell with Friday, December 13, proved crew member Lyn Van Homrigh at unlucky for the two people on board the helm for her first tow assist. a 30-foot yacht that began taking Unfortunately, the skipper of the on water and endured an engine distressed vessel had to cut the failure en route from Port Stephens anchor free before the two boats to Sydney. The vessel anchored could head back towards Newcastle, Newcastle 30 on a night training exercise on the Hunter River over near Horseshoe Bay, where its enduring another delay while a bulk the Australia Day long weekend. Photo: Terry Reynolds. crew managed to stop the leak but carrier entered the harbour. could not restart the engine. NC 30, Off the water, members Warren lucky enough to be asked to skipper hit. After two spectacular fireworks crewed by Ron Calman, Mick Quill Bramble and Paul Hardie have one of the MRNSW vessels on shows, the crew refreshed at MR and Stuart Lawson, took the vessel earned their crew epaulettes and Sydney Harbour for the New Year’s Middle Harbour before loading the under tow to Newcastle for repairs. radio operator Rob Downie has been Eve fireworks,Norah Head 20. As Ocean Cylinder on its trailer and Swimmers were about half way awarded his five-year service pin. the MRNSW flotilla passed under the heading home. around the course of the annual Coxswain Terry Reynolds was Sydney Harbour Bridge the southerly Terry Reynolds

Norah Head crews patrol southern festivities

embers of the Norah Head unit Mannering Park Sea Scouts to its Mwere at home on the water rescue base before Christmas. and further afield over the festive More than a dozen scouts and season. leaders spent a morning with Crew members travelled south members, rotating through various with their vessel Norah Head 20 areas of the base, learning and to support two of the most popular participating in different activities. events on Sydney Harbour every In the radio room, they were given year, the start of the Sydney to dummy scripts to learn how to Log Hobart Yacht Race and the New On vessels, carry out radio checks Year’s Eve fireworks. and provide weather, tide and sea Hunter/Central Coast Regional information. Operations Manager Steve Raymond They were taught navigation skills towed NR 20 to the operational including finding the latitude and hub, the Sydney Harbour Operations longitude of different locations on Skipper of the future ... 1st Mannering Park Sea Scout Dominic Orme takes the helm during a visit to MR Norah Head. Photo: Lee Deacon. Centre at NSW Maritime at Rozelle. the charts and learned about tying MR Norah Head Deputy Unit knots from crew members Harry Commander Julie Rostron said as Asher and Adrian Greenfield. The day finished with an Bill Hignett with a $2,000 donation. well as having a great view of the The group enjoyed boarding our enjoyable sausage sizzle. UC Hignett gratefully received New Year’s Eve fireworks, the crew vessel and finding out about our The unit’s shared Christmas party the welcome Christmas present, had made a valuable contribution to on board technology from leading with the Norah Head Boat Club was assuring the Boat Club members the safety of the boaters crowded on crewman Tom Johnson, as well as well attended. it would be put to good use in the the water to enjoy the festivities. the various roles NR 20 is tasked to Boat Club Commodore John unit’s mission to save lives. The unit welcomed the 1st perform. Hinks presented Unit Commander Lee Deacon

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News

Summer swansong for Newcastle workhorse Team’s rapid response saves woman’s life Bulk carrier takes right of way over fishing boat and rescue vessel. Lake Macquarie RWC operators recognised for Australia Day operation. s another boating season draws Stockton to Newcastle swim young woman found floating immediately and were the first Ato a close, crew members on Australia Day when the MR A face down in the water in the emergency service personnel on from MR Newcastle are preparing Newcastle radio base received a Swansea Channel on Australia Day scene. Peter took charge of the to farewell the unit’s retiring call for help from a vessel stranded has first responders from MR Lake patient while Veronica alerted the workhorse, Newcastle 30. about 3nm offshore at North Reef. Macquarie to thank for saving her unit’s radio base to the emergency. A new 10m Naiad rescue vessel, The couple on board was happy life. The radio operators immediately due for imminent delivery, will take to keep fishing until after the swim Two of the unit’s Rescue Water activated rescue vessel LM 20 the place of the 2002 Kevlacat, finished. When NC 30 was relieved Craft operators, Peter Sun and with a full crew and resuscitation which has completed a busy of its duties, it headed out in a Veronica Roxby, have been awarded equipment. summer on the water. choppy sea with a 2m swell with Unit Commander’s Citations for their A registered nurse who was Friday, December 13, proved crew member Lyn Van Homrigh at swift and professional response to also on the island assisted Peter in unlucky for the two people on board the helm for her first tow assist. the life-threatening emergency. resuscitating the woman. a 30-foot yacht that began taking Unfortunately, the skipper of the On a typically hot and busy public In the meantime, several calls on water and endured an engine distressed vessel had to cut the holiday, the pair was returning to were made to Triple Zero, with a failure en route from Port Stephens anchor free before the two boats base after refuelling RWC Lake NSW Ambulance despatched. to Sydney. The vessel anchored could head back towards Newcastle, Newcastle 30 on a night training exercise on the Hunter River over Macquarie 13 at the Marks Point Once LM 20 arrived, Peter was near Horseshoe Bay, where its enduring another delay while a bulk the Australia Day long weekend. Photo: Terry Reynolds. Marina. able to apply oxygen therapy to MR Lake Macquarie’s Peter Sun and Veronica Roxby ... awarded Unit crew managed to stop the leak but carrier entered the harbour. As they entered the channel, they the patient, who seemed to regain Commander’s Citations for their life-saving emergency response. could not restart the engine. NC 30, Off the water, members Warren lucky enough to be asked to skipper hit. After two spectacular fireworks were waved down by the skipper of consciousness before lapsing back crewed by Ron Calman, Mick Quill Bramble and Paul Hardie have one of the MRNSW vessels on shows, the crew refreshed at MR a small tinny with a motor problem. into a semi-conscious state. and the crew of LM 20. intensive care, the woman was and Stuart Lawson, took the vessel earned their crew epaulettes and Sydney Harbour for the New Year’s Middle Harbour before loading the They were about to assist this vessel The patient was in and out of The patient was transferred discharged the following day. under tow to Newcastle for repairs. radio operator Rob Downie has been Eve fireworks,Norah Head 20. As Ocean Cylinder on its trailer and when a jet ski rider raced across the consciousness but became very to the rescue vessel and ferried This wonderful outcome was Swimmers were about half way awarded his five-year service pin. the MRNSW flotilla passed under the heading home. water from Elizabeth Island with the agitated from time to time. back to the unit’s Pelican base, due to the teamwork, training and around the course of the annual Coxswain Terry Reynolds was Sydney Harbour Bridge the southerly Terry Reynolds message that a young female had Peter controlled the situation with where paramedics took charge and professional attitudes of our RWC, been found face down in the water. a calm and professional approach, transported her to hospital. boat and radio crew members. Our RWC crew responded backed up by his RWC team mate After spending the night in Mal Wardrop Norah Head crews patrol southern festivities embers of the Norah Head unit Mannering Park Sea Scouts to its Contract let for container pollution clean-up Mwere at home on the water rescue base before Christmas. Debris to be lifted from ocean floor in custom-made metal basket. and further afield over the festive More than a dozen scouts and season. leaders spent a morning with contract has been awarded for of a custom-fabricated metal basket Crew members travelled south members, rotating through various A the clean-up of the pollution to lift the containers. with their vessel Norah Head 20 areas of the base, learning and caused when 81 containers fell This basket will be deployed to to support two of the most popular participating in different activities. overboard from the container the sea bed by a large ship. The events on Sydney Harbour every In the radio room, they were given ship YM Efficiency off the coast of containers will be placed in the year, the start of the Sydney to dummy scripts to learn how to Log Newcastle last year. basket then lifted to the surface. Hobart Yacht Race and the New On vessels, carry out radio checks After reviewing seven The basket will fully encapsulate Year’s Eve fireworks. and provide weather, tide and sea submissions received in an open the container so that no container Hunter/Central Coast Regional information. tender process last year, the or content debris can escape, Operations Manager Steve Raymond They were taught navigation skills Australian Maritime Safety Authority mitigating any potential spill as the towed NR 20 to the operational including finding the latitude and (AMSA) has signed a contract with container is brought to the surface. hub, the Sydney Harbour Operations longitude of different locations on Skipper of the future ... 1st Mannering Park Sea Scout Dominic Orme Ardent Oceania Pty Ltd to remove The contract includes the removal takes the helm during a visit to MR Norah Head. Photo: Lee Deacon. Centre at NSW Maritime at Rozelle. the charts and learned about tying 60 containers and associated debris of any surface debris larger than Rubbish washed ashore after 81 containers fell from the YM MR Norah Head Deputy Unit knots from crew members Harry from the waters off the Newcastle 100mm and all debris from the sea Efficiency off the coast of Newcastle last June. Photo: RMS. Commander Julie Rostron said as Asher and Adrian Greenfield. The day finished with an Bill Hignett with a $2,000 donation. and Port Stephens coastline. bed with any dimension larger than well as having a great view of the The group enjoyed boarding our enjoyable sausage sizzle. UC Hignett gratefully received Of the 81 containers lost last 1.5 metres. operation. The contract includes operations. New Year’s Eve fireworks, the crew vessel and finding out about our The unit’s shared Christmas party the welcome Christmas present, June, five have already been The recovery work will rely on contingencies for dealing with any Pollution recovered from the had made a valuable contribution to on board technology from leading with the Norah Head Boat Club was assuring the Boat Club members recovered and a further 16 remain remotely operated underwater unexpected release of material and ocean will be transported to the safety of the boaters crowded on crewman Tom Johnson, as well as well attended. it would be put to good use in the undetected by underwater surveys. vehicles and cranes operated from should any floating debris escape. a specially constructed waste the water to enjoy the festivities. the various roles NR 20 is tasked to Boat Club Commodore John unit’s mission to save lives. The successful clean-up proposal the surface, minimising any safety The contractor will undertake reception facility in the Port of The unit welcomed the 1st perform. Hinks presented Unit Commander Lee Deacon includes the design and construction risk to personnel during the recovery both marine and land-based Newcastle.

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 41 MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News

New command leads Central Coast into 2020 Government grant helps crews find their Sealegs on amphibious tender.

new leadership team has been funded thanks to a $161,000 NSW Aelected at MR Central Coast. Government Infrastructure Grant. Elections were held on February The amphibious Sealegs vessel 15 after Unit Commander is kept at the unit’s Terrigal base Mark Sheehan and Deputy Unit to transport crews from shore to Commander Adrian Davies stepped Central Coast 30, moored on the down from their roles for personal Haven, where a new boat ramp has and medical reasons. been constructed. Duncan Coles was elected Unit The crew of CC 30 joined vessels Commander and Geoff Hawes from the neighbouring Norah Head Deputy Unit Commander. and Tuggerah Lakes units in a Unit members have thanked Mark coordinated search for a swimmer and Adrian for their commitment reported missing off The Entrance Regional Operations Manager Steve Raymond, MR Central Coast UC and hard work during their time in beach on February 1. Fortunately, Duncan Coles, watch officer Ian Leafe, Commissioner Stacey Tannos the leadership. the swimmer was located safe and and DUC Geoff Hawes at Headquarters. The two new leaders and watch well. Duty crews on patrol in recent officer Ian Leafe visited MRNSW weeks have been assisting the familiarisation opportunities for new development weekend in April. Headquarters in Sydney in early boating community by retrieving crew members. They are hoping for better March for meetings with key a lot of branches, logs and other Unit Rescue Water Craft operators conditions than during last year’s management personnel. debris washed into local waterways are looking forward to joining other event, which was abandoned in MR Central Coast has taken by the early February storms. operators at MRNSW Headquarters heavy rain and cold winds. delivery of its new tender vessel, These patrols also are positive for an RWC professional Mitch Giles

Value for you. Support for us.

Visit the Marine Rescue NSW e-shop to show your support for our volunteers’ work to save lives on the water. MRNSW provides a vital safety net for our boating community but we need your help. When you shop with us, you’ll not only get great value but you’ll know you’re also helping maintain our world-class emergency service. You’ll find a range of MRNSW merchandise - coffee mugs, water bottles, floating key rings, USB sticks and supporter caps and slouch hats - so you can join our life-saving mission. You can shop for safety equipment and some useful boating and fishing gear, too. Discounts apply for MRNSW volunteers and Radio Club members. Show your support today!

Shop at the MRNSW e-shop shopmrnsw.com.au

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News

New command leads Central Coast into 2020 Port Stephens doubles up on bushfire duties Government grant helps crews find their Sealegs on amphibious tender. Radio team spends 500 hours on shift at RFS communications centre. new leadership team has been funded thanks to a $161,000 NSW embers of MR Port Stephens A elected at MR Central Coast. Government Infrastructure Grant. Mspent more than 500 hours Elections were held on February The amphibious Sealegs vessel over summer performing radio 15 after Unit Commander is kept at the unit’s Terrigal base duties at the NSW Rural Fire Service Mark Sheehan and Deputy Unit to transport crews from shore to Hunter Fire Control Centre to Commander Adrian Davies stepped Central Coast 30, moored on the support the response to the bushfire down from their roles for personal Haven, where a new boat ramp has emergency. and medical reasons. been constructed. Twenty watch officers and Duncan Coles was elected Unit The crew of CC 30 joined vessels radio operators filled shifts in the Commander and Geoff Hawes from the neighbouring Norah Head Communications Centre for the Deputy Unit Commander. and Tuggerah Lakes units in a Lower Hunter and Hunter Valley RFS Unit members have thanked Mark coordinated search for a swimmer districts between November 12 and All hands on deck ... MR Port Stephens was one of the emergency services to join the multi-agency and Adrian for their commitment reported missing off The Entrance January 11. response operation at the NSW RFS Hunter Fire Control Centre. Photos: Tony O’Donnell. Regional Operations Manager Steve Raymond, MR Central Coast UC and hard work during their time in beach on February 1. Fortunately, Duncan Coles, watch officer Ian Leafe, Commissioner Stacey Tannos Our volunteers were able the leadership. the swimmer was located safe and and DUC Geoff Hawes at Headquarters. to step straight in to assist the privileged to have the opportunity functions, including recording Unit Commander Colin Foote The two new leaders and watch well. Duty crews on patrol in recent Communications Brigade at the to work with such amazing people sitreps, arranging additional assets frequently reminds us we can best officer Ian Leafe visited MRNSW weeks have been assisting the familiarisation opportunities for new development weekend in April. East Maitland centre as they were doing amazing things to support the or responding organisations such as meet our mission to save lives on Headquarters in Sydney in early boating community by retrieving crew members. They are hoping for better already trained in RFS procedures as heroes on the fire grounds. police or energy providers. the water by operating 24/7 with March for meetings with key a lot of branches, logs and other Unit Rescue Water Craft operators conditions than during last year’s part of the unit’s routine role running The unit’s ongoing support Marine emergencies always take trained and competent operators management personnel. debris washed into local waterways are looking forward to joining other event, which was abandoned in overnight communications for the for the RFS involves our watch precedence, during which the RFS and crew. We are proud of the work MR Central Coast has taken by the early February storms. operators at MRNSW Headquarters heavy rain and cold winds. two RFS districts via the Government officers being trained to support communications are handed over to we do and are always learning. delivery of its new tender vessel, These patrols also are positive for an RWC professional Mitch Giles Radio Network. the RFS overnight according to the RFS Duty Officer. Tony O’Donnell It was motivating for our people its procedures. The unit is the to be able to assist in such a contact point for Fire + Rescue tangible way and educational to be NSW Triple Zero call takers, who so closely involved with a well-run, task RFS resources to respond to multi-functional operation involving emergencies in RFS districts. the RFS, Fire + Rescue NSW, NSW The watch officer on duty logs Police, National Parks and Wildlife the call details and then dispatches Service, Forests NSW, the State the appropriate RFS brigades, Emergency Service, the Australian depending on the location and the Value for you. Support for us. Defence Force, air assets and more. nature of the incident, such as Thank you to all our members structural and bush fires, motor who gave their time so generously vehicle accidents or community first Visit the Marine Rescue NSW e-shop to show your support for our while still performing their MRNSW response ambulance assistance. volunteers’ work to save lives on the water. duties and to Colin Cahill for The RFS Duty Officer is kept MRNSW provides a vital safety net for our boating community managing our participation. We were informed and can request additional but we need your help. When you shop with us, you’ll not only get great value but you’ll know you’re also helping maintain our A Lifestyle Like No Other world-class emergency service. Discover the tranquil waters of Lake Macquarie’s most scenic and protected bays from Marmong Point Marina. The lake offers 110sq km of pristine waterway and is Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake. There is 178km’s of unspoiled shoreline You’ll find a range of MRNSW merchandise - coffee mugs, water with vast expansion of bush land, beaches and sandy islands waiting to explore. 245 berths for vessels up to 30m and dry storage facilities up to 30’ all with power and water. bottles, floating key rings, USB sticks and supporter caps and Full service boatyard and large hardstand area. slouch hats - so you can join our life-saving mission. Koolewong Marina is the Central Coast’s newest marina. With 50 berths for vessels up to 25 meters, including catamarans, this fantastic facility has state of the art services, stylish onshore guest amenities, vessel pump out system, high tech security & safety systems and 7 day a week You can shop for safety equipment and some useful boating and onsite Marina supervisor. Enjoy on-site hospitality at Boathouse Bar & Dining, easy access to public transport by land and stunning cruising areas, such as Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury by water. fishing gear, too. Discounts apply for MRNSW volunteers and Koolewong Marina is the ideal location to berth your pride and joy. Radio Club members. Show your support today!

Shop at the MRNSW e-shop shopmrnsw.com.au MR Port Stephens trainer and assessor Colin Cahill on radio duty in the RFS Hunter Communications Centre.

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 43 MAKING WAVES Proud to support Marine Rescue NSW Greater Sydney News BERTH YOUR BOAT on the New thermal camera HAWKESBURY saves response time Hawkesbury thanks council for grant.

• 88 berths with power and water • 23 swing moorings (free dinghy storage) • Boom gate access to car park MR Hawkesbury members demonstrate their new thermal imaging • Toilets and showers camera to Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews and General Manager Gary Murphy and members of the Cheero Point/Mooney Mooney • Slipway to 15 tonnes Progress Association. • Convenience store (Brooklyn Central) • Unleaded fuel on wharf for marina clients ew search and rescue camera, to keep the vessel stable Nequipment funded by a Central and avoid jolting the patient during • Mechanic on site Coast Council grant proved its the transfer voyage. value during a medical emergency The unit recently demonstrated operation on the Hawkesbury River the camera to Central Coast Mayor just three days after its installation. Lisa Matthews, Council General MR Hawkesbury has mounted Manager Gary Murphy and Cheero a new thermal imaging camera on Point/Mooney Mooney Progress SANDBROOK INLET board rescue vessel Hawkesbury 22 Association members. thanks to a $13,500 grant from the Used in conjunction with the MARINA Central Coast Council Community unit’s Find Me On the River initiative, Development program. also funded by council, in which Brooklyn 9985 5500 Unit Commander Peter Moore numbers have been placed on river said the new camera enhanced the wharves to easily identify access crew’s safety and efficiency at night, points on the river, it can save improving response times under valuable time by enabling skippers often-difficult circumstances. to quickly locate and steer directly to Images are transmitted to the a precise location. multi-function display on the helm. UC Moore thanked council for “This new equipment was the grant and its ongoing support quickly put to use during a medical for the volunteers’ operations to emergency on the Hawkesbury assist not only boaters on the busy three days after it was fitted, when Hawkesbury River but also the many HW 22 was deployed at 4.30am to water access-only residents. help NSW Ambulance transport a He said the camera was essential seriously ill and injured patient from to support search and rescue Bar Point to Parsley Bay,” he said. operations at night or in low visibility. The lack of road access, “It enhances a crew’s situational steepness of terrain and the awareness in the dark and is patient’s serious condition required particularly helpful if someone has the patient to be immobilised in fallen overboard from a boat or a rescue stretcher before being otherwise ended up in the river, carried to the vessel. helping searchers to find objects The crew then used all available requiring further investigation.” means, including the thermal Sarah Adair

44 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Proud to support Marine Rescue NSW Greater Sydney News Greater Sydney News BERTH YOUR BOAT on the New thermal camera Broken Bay ready for a year of major change HAWKESBURY saves response time Volunteers give 6,500 hours’ service throughout summer emergencies. t the end of the summer of Hawkesbury thanks council for grant. A2019-2020, it’s fair to say that it was a big season for everyone. The Broken Bay unit was actively engaged throughout the devastating bushfires, providing support to our emergency services colleagues. Our members undertook shifts on the RFS Bush Fire Information Line and extra patrols across Pittwater during the catastrophic weather • 88 berths with power and water events to provide an early warning • 23 swing moorings (free dinghy storage) in the event evacuations or support Ready rain, hail or shine ... MR Broken Bay volunteers prepare to take on the big wet in early February. • Boom gate access to car park for other emergency services were MR Hawkesbury members demonstrate their new thermal imaging required. • Toilets and showers camera to Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews and General Manager Gary Murphy and members of the Cheero Point/Mooney Mooney Overall, the unit launched 31 swimmers in the 2.8km open water rescue vessel Broken Bay 30 will be sea survival courses, with most • Slipway to 15 tonnes Progress Association. rescue missions and gave more event. Thank you to our sister units, replaced by a 10m Naiad, due for almost ready to gain their Crew • Convenience store (Brooklyn Central) than 6,500 volunteer hours’ service MR Cottage Point, Hawkesbury and delivery around August, and we are rating. Congratulations to Brad Atkin to the community over summer, Central Coast, for providing extra looking to also replace BB 20. for attaining Competent Crew, Nick • Unleaded fuel on wharf for marina clients ew search and rescue camera, to keep the vessel stable Nequipment funded by a Central and avoid jolting the patient during including managing the on-water vessels on the day. Our members An upgraded base is also on the Harris (Leading Crew), David Faen • Mechanic on site Coast Council grant proved its the transfer voyage. safety coverage for the Australia Day also deployed to support the big horizon; we are in final discussions (Competent Crew) and to long- value during a medical emergency The unit recently demonstrated Big Swim between Palm and Whale Sydney Harbour events on Boxing with Northern Beaches Council to serving members John Duniam (15 operation on the Hawkesbury River the camera to Central Coast Mayor beaches on behalf of the Whale Day and New Year’s Eve. replace our ageing building. years), Tim Evans (20 years) and just three days after its installation. Lisa Matthews, Council General Beach Surf Life Saving Club. This will be a year of change New members have completed Barley Stewart (five years). MR Hawkesbury has mounted Manager Gary Murphy and Cheero We watched over several hundred for MR Broken Bay. Our Steber their mandatory fire fighting and Jimmy Arteaga a new thermal imaging camera on Point/Mooney Mooney Progress SANDBROOK INLET board rescue vessel Hawkesbury 22 Association members. thanks to a $13,500 grant from the Used in conjunction with the MARINA Central Coast Council Community unit’s Find Me On the River initiative, Terrey Hills keeps lines open for 10,000 calls Development program. also funded by council, in which Brooklyn 9985 5500 Unit Commander Peter Moore numbers have been placed on river s their colleagues in other and cut off due to road closures, MR said the new camera enhanced the wharves to easily identify access Aregions faced the threat of Terrey Hills provided 24/7 marine crew’s safety and efficiency at night, points on the river, it can save bushfires and subsequent floods radio coverage,” Operations Officer improving response times under valuable time by enabling skippers throughout summer, the members Marg Chu said. “It was also at the often-difficult circumstances. to quickly locate and steer directly to of MR Terrey Hills shouldered an height of our busiest period of Images are transmitted to the a precise location. extra load to maintain 24/7 radio the year with recreational vessels multi-function display on the helm. UC Moore thanked council for coverage of the coastline as far enjoying the spectacles of the “This new equipment was the grant and its ongoing support south as Eden. Sydney to Hobart Race, New Year’s quickly put to use during a medical for the volunteers’ operations to The unit’s 100-plus members Eve Fireworks, Australia Day and emergency on the Hawkesbury assist not only boaters on the busy handled more than 10,000 calls summer on the water.” three days after it was fitted, when Hawkesbury River but also the many from the start of November to The emergency calls to the unit HW 22 was deployed at 4.30am to water access-only residents. the end of February, including 21 included three Maydays within help NSW Ambulance transport a He said the camera was essential Maydays and 34 Pan Pans. Almost half an hour in the early hours of MR Terrey Hills Operations Officer Marg Chu recycles drink seriously ill and injured patient from to support search and rescue 2,500 vessels Logged On, with January 5 as competitors in the containers collected at the unit in a fundraising and environmental initiative. Bar Point to Parsley Bay,” he said. operations at night or in low visibility. more than 8,000 people on board. Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race ran The lack of road access, “It enhances a crew’s situational “While our members on the South into bad weather and difficulties on the State Government Return and been trash polluting the pristine steepness of terrain and the awareness in the dark and is Coast were either trying to save their their return voyages north. Earn vending machines. Funds bushlands and water settings patient’s serious condition required particularly helpful if someone has own homes or those of members Over the past year, the unit raised go towards upgrades to radio around the Northern Beaches and the patient to be immobilised in fallen overboard from a boat or of their community and our vessels has raised more than $14,000 communication equipment to better Pittwater, we’ve raised over $2,000. a rescue stretcher before being otherwise ended up in the river, were fully occupied transporting through its regular barbecues at leverage the state infrastructure that Just as importantly, we are doing carried to the vessel. helping searchers to find objects people, food, fresh water, fuel, Bunnings Belrose, donations and enhances MRNSW radio coverage of our bit to preserve the area’s natural The crew then used all available requiring further investigation.” generators and provisions to an initiative to recycle more than the coastline. beauty for our future generations to means, including the thermal Sarah Adair communities devastated by the fires 20,000 drink containers through “In recycling what could have continue to enjoy,” Ms Chu said.

44 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 45 MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News

I thought I was gonna die: relieved boatie Middle Harbour crew’s timely intervention saves speedboat from rocks.

he rocks at the northern end of he was slowly dragging ever closer TBalmoral Beach aren’t a worry to serious trouble. He waved with most days in most conditions. a makeshift red sheet at the first But on a summer Sunday, there boat he saw cruising nearby. It was was a brutal north-easterly on the Middle Harbour 30 and its crew saw loose, a few white caps dancing and that red rag. Good timing. More than gremlins at work. that says David: “It was a blessing.” David, from Lane Cove, had been Bill Keleher swung MH 30 on the drift across Middle Harbour downwind in towards the rocks and when he realised it was time to turned her back into wind about power up and move away from 5m off David’s starboard side. An those rocks, now dangerously close. uncomfortable place to be. Very But his trusty motor was as dead difficult to hold her there so we had as a dodo. First time it had played to be quick. Ben Skeen keeps a watchful eye on a boat saved from a rocky fate. up in 12 years. His 5.2m aluminium Ben Skeen is the strong right arm speedboat was not in perfect of Delta Watch and he landed the condition either; some frayed lines heaving line in the right place first safety. Then with safe space around Mayoh. We spoke to him again the and no chain on the anchor. time. David had trouble tying our line us, he got his anchor up and we next day. Turns out the cause of his “I was scared ... absolutely,” he’s to a cleat but managed to get it tied motored calmly under Spit Bridge to problem was a tiny relay worth just a ready to admit. “I thought I was to his tiny bowrail to enable us to the Tunks Park boat ramp. couple of dollars. gonna die.” tow him into deeper water. “I am so grateful,” David said as Amazing how little things can He threw over the pick but in Still with the anchor down, he bestowed a seriously generous become big trouble. that wind, it just wouldn’t hold and MH 30 towed him slowly out to donation on crew member Steph Howard Gipps

Mayday response teaches two key lessons Offshore boaters need to plan their passage and know their location.

boater who made a Mayday call on Channel 73, the crew could build Aafter running out of fuel while a course to steer. chasing fish offshore on Australia The skipper had initially provided Day demonstrated two valuable the electronic chart system cursor lessons for boaters: plan your trip to position rather than the vessel ensure you can reach your planned position so instead of being 4nm destination and get home safely off Long Reef where it was first and know how to use your essential reported, it was actually 24nm off equipment on board. Barenjoey at the 166m mark. Just after lunch on January 26, The boat was moving south at MR Cottage Point was deployed to about six knots, assisted by the respond to a Mayday call from a northerly winds and the east coast boat that was just in radio range. current. The crew tracked the boat’s It took some time to narrow down position by getting the skipper to the vessel’s actual position as the slowly count backwards from 10 Wide of the mark ... after locating a stranded boat offshore, Cottage Point 31 returns it to safety on Australia Day. skipper was unsure how to use his while monitoring the RDF to provide onboard navigation system. a relative bearing. As Cottage Point 31 made its way We were surprised at the speed design acting as an efficient sail. was a timely reminder that careful offshore, the crew could hear the at which the boat was traveling until The crew attached a line and passage planning for any trip is boater’s communications with MR we saw the size and shape of the brought the vessel on to a long tow, critical to safe boating, particularly Terrey Hills and the further out to vessel, a 7.5m aluminium half cabin returning it safely to Broken Bay. offshore. Understanding all your sea we went the stronger the signal. with a short aerial mounted on the The skipper reported that he had essential equipment is another key Applying the vessel’s RDF (Radio gunnel. It was moving downwind misjudged his fuel calculations and pre-requisite. Direction Finder) to the VHF signal quickly with its bimini and half cabin not brought a back up supply. This Tony Gordon

46 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News Greater Sydney News

I thought I was gonna die: relieved boatie Fewer incidents, more vessels Logging On Middle Harbour crew’s timely intervention saves speedboat from rocks. Botany Port Hacking volunteers support major events, bushfire help line. he rocks at the northern end of he was slowly dragging ever closer he hot summer created a heavy TBalmoral Beach aren’t a worry to serious trouble. He waved with Tworkload for MR Botany Port most days in most conditions. a makeshift red sheet at the first Hacking, starting with an unusual But on a summer Sunday, there boat he saw cruising nearby. It was operation to wrangle a runaway boat was a brutal north-easterly on the Middle Harbour 30 and its crew saw careering in circles at the entrance loose, a few white caps dancing and that red rag. Good timing. More than to Port Hacking. gremlins at work. that says David: “It was a blessing.” The two men on board were David, from Lane Cove, had been Bill Keleher swung MH 30 thrown overboard, with one taken on the drift across Middle Harbour downwind in towards the rocks and safely on board Port Hacking 30 and when he realised it was time to turned her back into wind about the other on a private vessel. power up and move away from 5m off David’s starboard side. An The Christmas-New Year week those rocks, now dangerously close. uncomfortable place to be. Very was particularly busy. Most of the 14 But his trusty motor was as dead difficult to hold her there so we had vessels Logged On with the unit on as a dodo. First time it had played to be quick. Boxing Day were heading to Sydney Ben Skeen keeps a watchful eye on a boat saved from a rocky fate. up in 12 years. His 5.2m aluminium Ben Skeen is the strong right arm Harbour for the start of the Sydney Two fishermen were thrown off this runaway runabout on Port Hacking on December 14. speedboat was not in perfect of Delta Watch and he landed the to Hobart Yacht Race. condition either; some frayed lines heaving line in the right place first safety. Then with safe space around Mayoh. We spoke to him again the Our volunteers on PH 30 had a and at one stage, more than 12 per Information Line at the Rural Fire (Leading Crew). In a major project and no chain on the anchor. time. David had trouble tying our line us, he got his anchor up and we next day. Turns out the cause of his front row seat for both the race start cent of the boats Logged On in NSW Service as fires raged across the to promote boating safety and raise “I was scared ... absolutely,” he’s to a cleat but managed to get it tied motored calmly under Spit Bridge to problem was a tiny relay worth just a and the subsequent New Year’s Eve were with MR Botany Port Hacking. state. We were very happy to be awareness of the unit, we have ready to admit. “I thought I was to his tiny bowrail to enable us to the Tunks Park boat ramp. couple of dollars. celebrations, helping with vessel Fortunately, only seven boaters able to assist in this important role. placed new signs at 10 boat ramps gonna die.” tow him into deeper water. “I am so grateful,” David said as Amazing how little things can control for two of the busiest annual needed help throughout the day. Unit Training Officer, skipper and on the Georges River and seven He threw over the pick but in Still with the anchor down, he bestowed a seriously generous become big trouble. events on the harbour. Botany 30 Our rescue load was generally watch officer Peter Baker has been within the Port Hacking area. that wind, it just wouldn’t hold and MH 30 towed him slowly out to donation on crew member Steph Howard Gipps was out on the bay for New Year’s down over the first six weeks of awarded his 25-year Long Service Thank you to agencies, including Eve but the fireworks were cancelled 2020 but for possibly the first time, Medal. Congratulations to Peter for Sutherland Shire Council, Georges when the strong southerly hit early. PH 30 launched more operations his magnificent service to the public River Council, Bayside Council, A near-record number of boaters than BY 30, which usually carries and also to unit members who Sydney Ports Authority, National Mayday response teaches two key lessons Logged On on New Year’s Day but out two to three times more. have recently received new ratings: Parks and Wildlife and St George this was beaten by a record 37 Numerous members joined their Vic Stringfellow, Craig Bekker and Motor Boat Club for their help in Offshore boaters need to plan their passage and know their location. vessels on Australia Day. By 7am, colleagues from other MRNSW units David Morse (radio operators), John funding and installing the signs. boater who made a Mayday call on Channel 73, the crew could build we had 26 boats on our screens answering calls to the Bush Fire Lembke (Crew) and Neil Tinker Michael McFadyen & Greg Inglis Aafter running out of fuel while a course to steer. chasing fish offshore on Australia The skipper had initially provided Day demonstrated two valuable the electronic chart system cursor lessons for boaters: plan your trip to position rather than the vessel Port Jackson faces up to harbour challenges ensure you can reach your planned position so instead of being 4nm destination and get home safely off Long Reef where it was first rews from MR Port Jackson helping NSW Maritime move a and know how to use your essential reported, it was actually 24nm off Csaw it all on Sydney Harbour 16m, 30 tonne sailing ship from its equipment on board. Barenjoey at the 166m mark. this summer, facing a variety of mooring, rounding up ferries adrift Just after lunch on January 26, The boat was moving south at challenges that took them from and standing by to support Middle MR Cottage Point was deployed to about six knots, assisted by the some of the biggest events of the Harbour 30 towing an 86 foot respond to a Mayday call from a northerly winds and the east coast year to negotiating 2.5m waves cruiser to safety. boat that was just in radio range. current. The crew tracked the boat’s under the Harbour Bridge at the On January 30, the crew of Port It took some time to narrow down position by getting the skipper to height of the February storms. Jackson 20 was tasked offshore to the vessel’s actual position as the slowly count backwards from 10 Wide of the mark ... after locating a stranded boat offshore, Cottage The unit again provided essential accurately chart the location of an Point 31 returns it to safety on Australia Day. skipper was unsure how to use his while monitoring the RDF to provide operational support for the Sydney overturned cruiser afloat off Bronte. onboard navigation system. a relative bearing. to Hobart race start, New Year’s Eve, The vessel had drifted south after As Cottage Point 31 made its way We were surprised at the speed design acting as an efficient sail. was a timely reminder that careful Australia Day and the Sydney SailGP, capsizing off Blueys Beach early on offshore, the crew could hear the at which the boat was traveling until The crew attached a line and passage planning for any trip is now in its second year. Australia Day, with one man lost at Port Jackson 20 crew members Leon Gamaroff, David Mills and Greg boater’s communications with MR we saw the size and shape of the brought the vessel on to a long tow, critical to safe boating, particularly As several of its members gave sea and another rescued. Urand retrieve a soldier overboard during a training exercise. Terrey Hills and the further out to vessel, a 7.5m aluminium half cabin returning it safely to Broken Bay. offshore. Understanding all your their time to assist on the RFS On the way back into the harbour, sea we went the stronger the signal. with a short aerial mounted on the The skipper reported that he had essential equipment is another key Bush Fire Information Line, the the crew intercepted members of been deployed south to assist with Crews assisted several vessels Applying the vessel’s RDF (Radio gunnel. It was moving downwind misjudged his fuel calculations and pre-requisite. unit’s vessels faced off against the Australian Army 35th Water bushfire relief operations, to stage a that broke their moorings in the wild Direction Finder) to the VHF signal quickly with its bimini and half cabin not brought a back up supply. This Tony Gordon several much larger species, Transport Squadron, who had man overboard training exercise. weather on February 9.

46 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 47 Make every journey safer. Switch to VHF.

VHF Channel 16 is the international distress channel It’s constantly monitored by MRNSW and your calls for help can also be heard by other boats nearby. With better range, quality and help at the push of a button, make today the day you switch from 27MHz to VHF.

Find out more at marinerescuensw.com.au MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

Carpet of fire debris causes chaos on rivers Shoalhaven rounds up vessels adrift, in danger of sinking after deluge.

embers and vessels from MR MShoalhaven were on duty and ready to support the Rural Fire Service during the bushfire crisis over summer. We were primed to respond to requests for help to transport people or equipment as needed, not only on the Crookhaven and Shoalhaven River systems but also between towns in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area, due to the Princes Highway and other major roads being cut due to the fires. A floating field of burnt debris washed into the Crookhaven River by torrential rains, fouling the floating A number of our volunteers were wharf and boat ramp at Greenwell Point. Photo: Danielle Carter. stationed in Sussex Inlet to assist MRNSW operations in support of the operational. Shoalhaven and Crookhaven rivers. and in danger of sinking or going firefighting efforts. MR Shoalhaven members also The major downpour washed aground and recovering tenders and Our frontline vessel crews would performed double duty as RFS thousands of tons of burnt debris small boats that were part of the not have been able to operate volunteers at the local Emergency from the fire grounds into the rivers, moving debris. Make every without our radio operators, watch Operations Centre. with large burnt trees and other Unit members are hoping for a keepers and all the other volunteers It was not without some irony that bushfire debris fouling vessels on quieter end to the boating season who carried out myriad tasks such after the fire horror of the holiday their moorings and causing them to at Easter, when our annual raffle as maintenance, keeping equipment season, Mother Nature turned 180 drag or break loose. will be drawn at the Greenwell Point ready for duty and fundraising to degrees and delivered torrential MR Shoalhaven was kept busy Bowling Club. journey safer. keep unit’s the vessels fueled and rain, causing major flooding of the investigating vessels that were adrift Bill Carter Radio operators show off new technology Switch to VHF. IMB executives see the benefits of grant funding for Port Kembla upgrade. he volunteers at the MR Port responded to more than 11,500 TKembla radio base receive radio calls and coordinated 67 thousands of radio calls a year but rescue operations, including 41 the report “all safe” at the end of a to save boaters caught in life- rescue mission is always the most threatening emergencies. VHF Channel 16 is the rewarding. A year after the state-of-the- While the unit’s radio base is art system was installed with the international distress channel located in the heritage-listed Hill aid of the $70,000 IMB grant, 60 tower, its radio operators are unit members welcomed senior It’s constantly monitored by MRNSW and your calls for help equipped with the most up-to-date representatives of the Foundation to can also be heard by other boats nearby. With better range, marine radio technology available inspect their upgraded equipment. for their life-saving work, thanks to The event also highlighted the MR Port Kembla Deputy Unit Commander Tom Watson thanks the quality and help at the push of a button, make today the day a major upgrade funded by the IMB availability of another $600,000 in IMB Bank’s Dan Murphy and Sarah Cooper for the IMB Community Bank Community Foundation. grant funding for local charities and Foundation’s generous grant for upgraded marine radio technology. you switch from 27MHz to VHF. The new technology has boosted grassroot community groups. the unit’s around-the-clock marine “We are very grateful for the IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan said: “Over the past 20 years, IMB radio watch over the busy Illawarra support IMB Bank Community “As a bank, we understand that Bank Community Foundation coastal waters and provided the Foundation has given us to help our the key to unlocking community has given over $10 million to boating community with improved volunteers save lives on the water,” potential can sometimes be simply community-driven projects - big radio reception and coverage. MR Port Kembla Unit Commander a matter of combining a great idea and small - throughout NSW and Find out more at marinerescuensw.com.au In 2019, the unit’s radio operators Kevin Bradley said. and vision with financial support. the ACT.”

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 49 MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

Kioloa on shore duty, helping community Visitors return to twin villages for last fling of summer on long weekend.

his was “the summer that had passed, the effects of the fire Twasn’t” for the members of MR continued to be felt through to early Kioloa, who spent two months off January, with the Princes Highway the water as a result of the bushfires and access roads closed. that scorched the coastline and Normally at this time of year, wiped out the holiday season. we see an influx of thousands of The Currowan fire started on holidaymakers enjoying their holiday November 26 in isolated forest by the sea. This year, the situation roughly 17km due west of Kioloa was so critical that in late December, but by December 1, the blaze visitors were actively discouraged was threatening the twin villages from coming due to the real risk of of Kioloa and Bawley Point. All being trapped by fire. residents were told to evacuate, with By mid-January the threat had most fleeing north to Ulladulla. passed but the area was totally Although the fire was raging isolated on several occasions. Smoke from the Currowan fire billows over the coastline. behind westerly winds and Activity at the boat ramp and repeatedly attacked the villages for elsewhere almost ceased to exist. a week, the outstanding work of All the traditional holiday activities Visitors returned to Kioloa for their dedication and pure stamina the Rural Fire Service aerial water were cancelled and activity on the their last fling of the summer on the in ensuring that no lives or homes bombing aircraft and many brigades water was almost non-existent Australia Day long weekend and it were lost in the twin towns but we halted it at the streets bordering our which, in truth, was welcomed by seemed as if life had returned to are thinking of all those who were villages on December 6. our volunteers as there was much normal. We are extremely grateful not so fortunate. Although the immediate danger more work to do in the community. to our comrades in the RFS for Peter White

If you’re not a member of the Fewer emergencies in Boat Owners Association, extreme weather

you should be! AT OW xtreme weather conditions properties, still made themselves BO N E throughout summer impacted available either on call or assisting E R E

H S T significantly on the South Coast’s with overnight duty at the base.

•

A • tourist trade and recreational We received many messages of

S BOA S W boating numbers. support from the community for our O S C N Vessels that did venture out crews’ efforts in responding swiftly IAT OF ION mostly kept close to shore or were in people’s hour of need. safety aware and equipped for all UL 30 was pre-deployed to Keep the channels to Nowra Bridge weather conditions, resulting in Batemans Bay during the significant our waterways open A new bridge is proposed, fewer calls for help. threat to Eurobodalla and both unit We are working with we are working with the the RMS & Lands relevant Government In late November, Ulladulla 30 vessels escorted several boaters Department to ensure departments to ensure Don’t lose your that dredging is kept up boating NSW is well rescued two people thrown into back to safety on several occasions mooring to date. looked after. the water when their outrigger due to poor visibility caused by the We are participating in the RMS moorings review. Batemans Bay We do cover all of canoes capsized. Suffering from lingering smoke. Crew also were new bridge NSW hypothermia, they were transported on 24 hour standby to assist other Keep Little Manly We are working with Complacency and apathy Cove Open RMS to ensure boat are our own worst to shore to a waiting ambulance. smaller rescue units if needed. We successfully lobbied owners will have safe enemies. Ulladulla was cut off for several In early February, heavy rain, to give boaters continued access to town and Maintain your boating access. mooring facilities. rights. weeks, with the highway closed floods and winds hit the region. Lake north, west and south by bushfires. Conjola was flooded and several Contact us today The unit base was opened to vessels in Ulladulla Harbour broke Telephone: 9960 1859 | E-Mail: [email protected] evacuees and members unable to from their moorings and ended up Website: www.boatowners.org.au/ reach home. Many of our volunteers, on the beach. while protecting their own Raine O’Keeffe

50 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

Sussex Inlet on high alert as fires threaten Fleet of rescue vessels pre-deployed to support residents around Basin.

arine Rescue Sussex Inlet electricity grid and communications Mwas on high alert throughout networks. The strong winds fanned summer as our region came under the bushfires, again threatening repeated threat from the devastating local communities. The base was bushfires. operational 24 hours for a short The unit was on standby to period, working under generator evacuate residents from our village power for three days. and other small communities on St A highlight of summer was the Georges Basin if needed. arrival of our new vessel, Sussex Before Christmas, vessels Inlet 20. Its delivery was pre-empted from MR Ulladulla, Jervis Bay and by our crew familiarisation training Port Kembla were deployed to on MR Shoalhaven’s twin 7.5m Sussex Inlet to support evacuation Ocean Cylinder and followed by operations, berthing at the base and intensive crew induction training. adjacent jetties. These three vessels, A noticeable feature of the in addition to the two Sussex Inlet holiday period was the significantly vessels, remained on alert for about lower number of boating incidents, three days until the fire threat although visitor numbers were high. Thanks mate ... MR Sussex Inlet Master Les Pataky presents a donation passed and they were redeployed. In January, the unit held a Barefoot to Cudmirrah Rural Fire Brigade Captain Daniel Noordermeer. On New Year’s Eve, the base was Bowling Day, originally planned to again placed on standby, ahead of raise funds for our unit. Service to protect properties in our three local RFS brigades to replace the arrival of the Southerly Buster In acknowledgement of the local area, the profits from the fun and replenish their equipment. and in response to the failure of the gallant efforts by the Rural Fire day were instead donated to our Les Pataky

Jervis Bay members ready when needed Crews, boats on standby for evacuations and transportation duties.

fter months of disastrous fires services to the boating community Aon the South Coast, the clean throughout these additional duties. up has begun. JB 40 headed out into the smoky MR Jervis Bay was placed conditions after 10pm on New Year’s on standby throughout the fire Eve, with Ron Davies at the helm, emergency, with our two rescue locating by radar a vessel without vessels readied to provide electrics and no lights just inside the assistance where needed. bay. A woman on board who was With the Princes Highway and the unwell was transferred to JB 40 for one road into Sussex Inlet closed the return trip to HMAS Creswell and as the fires approached,Jervis Bay a waiting NSW Ambulance. 20 was deployed to the village for On the Monday of the Australia And they’re racing ... an eager crowd gathers at the starting line of three days, ready to evacuate people Day long weekend, JB 40 was the MR Jervis Bay annual Duck Derby on Australia Day. from harm’s way if necessary and activated to rescue a 6m boat that to transfer emergency supplies from had suffered an engine failure about way they could during the intense The unit is staging its next Sanctuary Point in St Georges Basin. 15nm offshore. The crew took the bushfire activity. Thanks also to all major fundraiser, the Jervis Bay Our vessels also were on standby vessel under tow about 6pm but those who have generously donated Paddle in a Day, on May 2. This if fires broke out in Booderee in the rough conditions, could only over summer. This also extends will be a fun family day, featuring National Park and Jervis Bay village proceed at four knots, returning to all those who took part in our races over 8km, 16km and the needed to be evacuated. JB 40 about 8.30pm. annual Duck Derby at Moona Moona epic 42km circumnavigation of the was sent to Ulladulla and also to Thank you to all our volunteers, Creek, which was another fun and bay for kayaks, canoes and stand Batemans Bay with generators, who were ready at a moment’s successful day for all those who up paddleboards. Information and water and medical supplies. notice to crew our rescue vessels came to race their little yellow ducks registrations: jervisbayinaday.com.au Our crews maintained our and give their time to help in any to the finish line and our volunteers. John Bromage

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 51 MAKING WAVES Monaro News

Two boaters lost in rollover on notorious bar Bushfire shortages, isolation and blackouts test Narooma ingenuity.

ne man died and another was the crew members who responded Olost overboard when their rapidly and professionally to the small open runabout rolled on the fatality on the hazardous crossing. notorious Narooma bar in the early “The seamless coordination of the morning darkness on March 10. various rescue agencies proved the One of the men was retrieved by value of our frequent joint training a boater following closely behind exercises. Our thoughts are with and returned to the wharf to meet a the family and friends of the two waiting NSW Ambulance but could men, who were simply heading out not be revived. for a day’s fishing when this terrible A major sea and air search was accident occurred,” he said. launched after witnesses reported a The rollover came at the end of Four MRNSW Rescue Water Craft and three vessels deployed to the second person in the water. a summer marred by bushfires, search for a missing boater after a rollover on the Narooma bar. Narooma 30 and the unit’s two tragedy and lots of smoke, new Rescue Water Craft were swiftly sometimes so thick that visibility was a real test of our ingenuity and base open and running was worthy deployed, along with Bermagui 30 was restricted to no more than a resourcefulness. Showing great of acclaim. and two RWCs from MR Tuross, few hundred metres. Narooma itself camaraderie, our volunteers worked Our RWC operators, capably led the Toll Ambulance and Westpac was not directly affected by fires but with our colleagues at MR Batemans by Alison Philip, have been putting in Lifesaver rescue helicopters, Police served as a safe evacuation point Bay, who delivered a boatload of the hours on our new Seadoo craft Marine Area Command, Surf Life for others under threat. At the height supplies to Narooma, which were since their induction. After a dearth Saving and NSW Maritime. MR of the danger period, all roads into transferred to Narooma 30 and in of tourists in summer and locals Batemans Bay joined the operation and out of town were cut, leading turn delivered to the Bermagui unit, focused on protecting their homes, when it extended into a second day. to shortages of food and fuel, where they were gratefully received. we hope to see boating returning to Monaro Regional Operations with no electricity, mobile phone The personal efforts of Watch normal in the Easter holidays. Manager Glenn Sullivan thanked reception, internet or landlines. It Officer Ian Noormets to keep the Paul Houseman

Blue uniform a welcome sight for evacuees arine Rescue Merimbula to evacuate from their homes, Mlaunched only one rescue including one couple who headed mission this summer but this to the Merimbula Oval in the early certainly did not mean members hours with their dog and pre-packed were not incredibly busy. vehicles. After a sleepless night, they Boaters were slow to put their spent a day in the smoke and ash vessels on the water early in the trying to find out if their property had season but Christmas brought the been spared. first of the holidaymakers to town. Spending the next night with As the bushfires moved north, friends, they returned to find their visitors were advised to leave the home still standing and the following area while it was still safe do so and day they were hard at work with in no time the Bega Valley exploded, other unit members helping out with firefronts on three sides of the wherever they could. shire. Our volunteers worked long While the Unit Commander and hours, backing up day after day to MR Merimbula members Shane Osta and Lindsay Guilfoyle on duty at Deputy were based at the local do whatever was needed. the Bega Rural Fire Service Radio Control Centre during the fire crisis. Emergency Operations Centre, Their distinctive blue uniform members maintained RFS radio was a welcome sight to evacuees, communications with frontline earning them thanks and kind what had happened to them. Our Teston, named the Rotary Club firefighters, assisted the SES with comments from these distressed members gave them the time and of Merimbula 2020 Woman of logistics and doorknocking and and displaced people. Our members a friendly ear so they could. It made Substance ahead of International volunteered at evacuation centres. gave reassurance to people, many you proud to wear the uniform. Women’s Day. A number of members had of whom just needed to talk about Congratulations to DUC Sonia Bill Blakeman

52 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Monaro News

Mt Imlay damage impacts radio operations Eden project transforming old base into modern operational environment.

ushfire damage and evacuations, Bwidespread power and communications outages and a heavy smoke pall have seriously impacted on boating and MRNSW operations around Eden. Fires bearing down on the town and surrounding areas led to emergency evacuations and the closure of the MR Eden radio base for two days at the height of the emergency in January. While the ongoing smoke blanket over the area in the wake of the fires made navigation on local waters hazardous, our radio operators Summer’s smoke blanket ... the view of the Eden Chip Mill ablaze from the MR Eden radio base. maintained their watch despite the uncomfortable conditions. Although the fires damaged with MRNSW urging any boaters our radio operators standing by for project will convert an old and marine radio infrastructure in the heading into the area to carry extra any emergencies, until all competing unattractive building into a modern Mt Imlay National Park, south-west means of communication such as vessels were in Tasmanian waters. state-of-the-art facility, providing a of Eden, radio relays on Dr George satellite phones. Three yachts were forced to issue more comfortable and professional Mountain and Timbilica are providing Before the fires hit, the Eden unit distress calls on their return voyage working environment for our VHF 16 back-up until repairs can be again hosted representatives of to Sydney, with one damaged boat volunteers and helping attract made. Extensive communications the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia managing to make it into Eden new members.To limit any further and power blackouts restricted VHF during the radio ‘skeds’ for Sydney without requiring assistance. disruption to radio operations, the radio coverage around and south of to Hobart Yacht Race competitors. The Eden radio base is now work is being undertaken in stages. Eden in the first week of January, The base remained open, with undergoing a major upgrade. The Peter Horne

Border crews end year in search for swimmer Moama, Jervis Bay volunteers work together on intensive training weekend.

he past year ended in tragedy on not re-surface. After two days of Tthe Murray River but the inland concentrated searching, a body was waterway soon roared back to life located near Pebbly Beach on New for a high-octane weekend of speed Year’s Eve. and spills. The river at Moama transformed Volunteers from MR Moama were into a race course on the weekend quickly activated when a 23-year- of February 7 to 9 as competitors old man was reported missing took to the water in the Southern 80, on the hazardous waterway on the world’s largest water ski race. December 29. The start line for the lead-up The crew of Moama 20 joined event, the Southern 50, was a cross-border search involving outside the MR Moama base at Five Victoria Police divers, NSW Maritime Mile, with unit members ensuring Inland training ... MR Moama DUC Luke Sharrot, visiting Jervis Bay and the State Emergency Service for competitors and spectators were member Cara Pacitti and UC Tony Dagger and RTM Stuart Massey. the man. well fed with a barbecue breakfast. He was last seen swimming Volunteers then staged an across the river at Tocumwal intensive training weekend, with Regional Operations Manager member Cara Pacitti, who made just north of the Victorian border, the assistance of Regional Training Glenn Sullivan and MR Jervis Bay the trek inland from the coastline to when he went under and did Manager Stuart Massey, Monaro Unit Commander Tony Dagger and support their colleagues.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 53 MAKING WAVES Monaro News

Rescued skipper urges others not to take a Pair thanks ‘awesome’ teams for amazing response as vessel sinks off Bermagui.

wo fisherman whose boat sank Toffshore from Bermagui have thanked the “awesome” rescue teams who rushed to save them as they clung to the hull of their upturned runabout. Skipper Lindsay McGown also had a safety message for other boaters, urging them to wear lifejackets, keep their EPIRB close at hand and know how to use their marine radios, rather than taking a “she’ll be right” approach to their safety on the water. The day after their boat sank off Beares Beach, south of Bermagui, Mr McGown and Daren Bayldon met the MR Bermagui radio operators who responded to their calls for help and were reunited with two of the Reunited ... rescued fisherman Lindsay McGown and Daren Bayldon (centre), in front of their boat, thank rescue vessel crew members who MR Bermagui watch officer Steve Knight, Surf Life Saving Far South Coast Director of Lifesaving Cheryl responded to the emergency about McCarthy and MR Bermagui leading crew member Babs Stephens, watch officer Lynda Bailey and watch 12.20pm on November 28. officer and rescue crew member Greg Jones. Mr McGown thanked the MRNSW volunteers on board Bermagui 30 and Narooma 30 and the Westpac that matters. I was the captain of the on his VHF marine radio to ask for a Westpac helicopter. Surf Life Saving Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and boat so I was responsible for Daren rescue vessel to be sent to tow them Far South Cost Director of Lifesaving Surf Life Saving crews who came to as well. If anything had happened to back in but as “things got worse“ Cheryl McCarthy was coordinating their rescue. him, I don’t know how I would have quickly, with his motor stopping and the Surf Life Saving response, with a “Thank you so much to everyone. gone with that. But we’re safe.” not re-starting because it was down RIB taking to the water. They’re all awesome. It was amazing Mr McGown credited the pair’s in the water, he made another, more As the helicopter stood by that they responded so quickly to lifejackets with saving their lives as urgent, call. overhead, the Surf and MRNSW find us,” he said. the boat sank beneath them. His calls were transmitted via vessels arrived on scene and the After contemplating diving down “It gives you the confidence new VHF marine radio technology two men were transferred back into the overturned boat to reach to know you can float. It really is installed by MRNSW on the to the harbour on board Narooma his EPIRB, he described the relief amazing. It takes the pressure off Bermagui reservoir and Dr George 30, where they were met by NSW when he and his mate, visiting from you because you know you’re not Mountain just weeks before to Ambulance paramedics and police. rural Victoria, saw the rescue teams going to drown,” he said. eliminate a blackspot in VHF Mr McGown said it was important approaching. ”People should wear them. reception on that precise area of the for boaters to know how to use “We were smiling and laughing Especially now with the new blow- coastline. their radios in case they found then. We knew people cared. That up ones. They don’t feel bulky on The calls were answered by radio themselves in similar trouble. was amazing. Daren said he could your body like the old ones that used operator Greg Jones at the MR “I think people are unsure of hear a noise and we looked up and to go over your head. You can bait Bermagui radio base, who quickly them. It’s a bit like us, I suppose. saw the helicopter and thought and catch with them on. I’m really deployed rescue vessels from MR “We have this ‘she’ll be right’ ‘beautiful’,” he said. impressed with them. They probably Narooma and MR Bermagui, before attitude. It’s the Aussie way but it’s He said the pair, aged 69 and saved our lives.” handing over to operators Stephen not really the right way at all,” he 54, had been shaken up but were The pair had been out to the Knight and Lynda Bailey and joining said. “thrilled” to be back on dry land. Three Sisters and were drift fishing the crew of BG 30. While the pair was carrying an “The alternative’s not very nice. off the beach on their way home Monaro Regional Operations EPIRB on board, it was under a The boat doesn’t matter. You can get when the cuddy cabin began taking Manager Glenn Sullivan, who had shelf and under water within an a new one of them but you can’t get on water before being swamped by heard the radio call at the MR instant, prompting the boaters to another body. a wave and starting to sink. Narooma base, alerted NSW Police encourage others to keep their “We’re alive, that’s the only thing Mr McGown made an initial call Marine Area Command to task the EPIRB close at hand in case of an

54 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Monaro News Monaro News

Rescued skipper urges others not to take a ‘she’ll be right’ approach to safety on water Pair thanks ‘awesome’ teams for amazing response as vessel sinks off Bermagui. emergency and to consider Personal Locator Beacons as additional safety wo fisherman whose boat sank devices. Toffshore from Bermagui have After the fisherman were rescued, thanked the “awesome” rescue BG 30 took their boat under tow teams who rushed to save them back to the Bermagui boat ramp, as they clung to the hull of their where Mr McGown and Mr Bayldon upturned runabout. managed to retrieve it the next day. Skipper Lindsay McGown also Mr McGown said the emergency had a safety message for other would not stop him heading out boaters, urging them to wear fishing again. lifejackets, keep their EPIRB close “It was an accident, it was at hand and know how to use their unfortunate that it happened but I’ve marine radios, rather than taking a always loved fishing since I was a “she’ll be right” approach to their kid and I’m 69 now,” he said. safety on the water. The pair had caught 10 or 11 fish The day after their boat sank off during their morning’s outing. Beares Beach, south of Bermagui, “They were the keepers. We had Mr McGown and Daren Bayldon met some good flathead, some snappers Vessels from Marine Rescue Bermagui and Narooma and Surf Life Saving on scene around the upturned the MR Bermagui radio operators and leatherjackets,” Mr McGown hull of Lindsay McGown’s fishing boat. who responded to their calls for help said. and were reunited with two of the With their catch lost, what did Reunited ... rescued fisherman Lindsay McGown and Daren Bayldon (centre), in front of their boat, thank rescue vessel crew members who MR Bermagui watch officer Steve Knight, Surf Life Saving Far South Coast Director of Lifesaving Cheryl they have for dinner? Search and Rescue Exercise at South Coast to eliminate blackspots of NA 30, Ross Constable, Shannon responded to the emergency about McCarthy and MR Bermagui leading crew member Babs Stephens, watch officer Lynda Bailey and watch “We had fish and chips. We went Batemans Bay that saw more than and improve VHF radio reception. Greene, Paul Bourke and Megan 12.20pm on November 28. officer and rescue crew member Greg Jones. out and bought some,” he said. 100 specialist personnel, including “This new technology ensured Fraser and the crew of BG 30, Mr McGown thanked the MRNSW MRNSW Deputy Commissioner the team members involved in this that when Mr McGown called for Denise Page, Babs Stephens, Greg volunteers on board Bermagui 30 Dean Storey praised all the rescue rescue, working together to hone help, our radio operators heard and Jones and Steven Angelo. and Narooma 30 and the Westpac that matters. I was the captain of the on his VHF marine radio to ask for a Westpac helicopter. Surf Life Saving personnel involved for their rapid their response to emergencies just could ensure help was on the way “Our volunteers are professional, Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and boat so I was responsible for Daren rescue vessel to be sent to tow them Far South Cost Director of Lifesaving coordinated response to return the days earlier,” he said. as soon as possible.” skilled and committed to their Surf Life Saving crews who came to as well. If anything had happened to back in but as “things got worse“ Cheryl McCarthy was coordinating two men safely to shore. He said the rescue also Deputy Commissioner Storey mission of saving lives on the water. their rescue. him, I don’t know how I would have quickly, with his motor stopping and the Surf Life Saving response, with a “This operation is the clearest highlighted the value of MRNSW’s thanked MR Bermagui radio “We saw that mission come to life “Thank you so much to everyone. gone with that. But we’re safe.” not re-starting because it was down RIB taking to the water. demonstration of the value of our capital investment in upgrading the operators Greg Jones, Stephen at Bermagui and I cannot thank our They’re all awesome. It was amazing Mr McGown credited the pair’s in the water, he made another, more As the helicopter stood by joint training, such as the major VHF marine radio network on the Knight and Lynda Bailey, the crew people enough.” that they responded so quickly to lifejackets with saving their lives as urgent, call. overhead, the Surf and MRNSW find us,” he said. the boat sank beneath them. His calls were transmitted via vessels arrived on scene and the After contemplating diving down “It gives you the confidence new VHF marine radio technology two men were transferred back into the overturned boat to reach to know you can float. It really is installed by MRNSW on the to the harbour on board Narooma Tragic end to search for diver missing in bay his EPIRB, he described the relief amazing. It takes the pressure off Bermagui reservoir and Dr George 30, where they were met by NSW when he and his mate, visiting from you because you know you’re not Mountain just weeks before to Ambulance paramedics and police. month after volunteers from and a search was initiated. MR rural Victoria, saw the rescue teams going to drown,” he said. eliminate a blackspot in VHF Mr McGown said it was important A MR Bermagui successfully Bermagui, Surf Life Saving, Police approaching. ”People should wear them. reception on that precise area of the for boaters to know how to use rescued two men from their sunken and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue “We were smiling and laughing Especially now with the new blow- coastline. their radios in case they found runabout, they were deployed to Helicopter scoured the water then. We knew people cared. That up ones. They don’t feel bulky on The calls were answered by radio themselves in similar trouble. a search without such a positive and rocky coastline. The crew of was amazing. Daren said he could your body like the old ones that used operator Greg Jones at the MR “I think people are unsure of outcome. Bermagui 30, Unit Commander hear a noise and we looked up and to go over your head. You can bait Bermagui radio base, who quickly them. It’s a bit like us, I suppose. A body, believed to be that of a Caron Parfitt, Ray McLeod, Greg saw the helicopter and thought and catch with them on. I’m really deployed rescue vessels from MR “We have this ‘she’ll be right’ man who went missing while diving Jones and Dennis Walker, deployed ‘beautiful’,” he said. impressed with them. They probably Narooma and MR Bermagui, before attitude. It’s the Aussie way but it’s at Barraga Bay on December 27, sea dye to determine the current He said the pair, aged 69 and saved our lives.” handing over to operators Stephen not really the right way at all,” he was located the following day. and drift. When the search resumed 54, had been shaken up but were The pair had been out to the Knight and Lynda Bailey and joining said. Police were told the man went the following day, BG 30 provided an “thrilled” to be back on dry land. Three Sisters and were drift fishing the crew of BG 30. While the pair was carrying an diving about 8.15am with a family operating platform for NSW Police “The alternative’s not very nice. off the beach on their way home Monaro Regional Operations EPIRB on board, it was under a member at the bay, about 10km divers. The boat doesn’t matter. You can get when the cuddy cabin began taking Manager Glenn Sullivan, who had shelf and under water within an south of Bermagui. In March, Bermagui 30 joined MR a new one of them but you can’t get on water before being swamped by heard the radio call at the MR instant, prompting the boaters to Officers from the South Coast Narooma, Tuross and Batemans Bay another body. a wave and starting to sink. Narooma base, alerted NSW Police encourage others to keep their Police District were alerted about in a search operation in response to MR Bermagui Unit Commander at the helm of Bermagui 30 during “We’re alive, that’s the only thing Mr McGown made an initial call Marine Area Command to task the EPIRB close at hand in case of an 10am after the man failed to return, a fatal rollover on the Narooma bar. the search for a missing diver at Barraga Bay.

54 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 55 MAKING WAVES Monaro News

Fire and floods take heavy toll on waterways Tuross River boaters keep lookout for waterbombing aircraft and large debris.

he sparkling waters that give Tthe Sapphire Coast its name were lost in the flooding rainstorm that crashed over the region in early February. Huge volumes of brown, rapidly- moving water containing large amounts of bushfire ash and heavy debris swept downstream on both the Tuross and Moruya rivers. While boaters had kept watch for refilling waterbombing aircraft on the river in January, MR Tuross issued renewed warnings to those who ventured out after the rain to exercise caution amid the debris and displaced navigation markers. Fishermen stand calf-deep in water over the top of Tuross River boat ramp in February. Photo: Ilze Svarcs. The large volumes of water and churning mass of debris changed opening up a wide entrance eagerly bar. The Tuross boat ramp also was units in the wake of the worst of the the mouth of the Tuross. reclaimed by boaters. The unit’s flooded, with fishers calf-deep in bushfires. Where holidaymakers had earlier RWCs could again cross the bar. water. After speaking to members in the frolicked in the ankle-deep water As the Moruya River crept over Commissioner Stacey Tannos, base, they inspected the impact of and even small children had crossed its edges, rescue vessel Tuross 20 Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey the disaster on the waterways, with the river banks between Tuross was sitting well above Preddeys and Monaro Regional Director Glenn a heavy ash sludge coating the river and Potato points, that was no Wharf, where it is stationed for rapid Felkin visited the unit on January bank and unit boat ramp. longer possible, with the flooding deployment to emergencies on the 8 as part of a tour of South Coast Ilze Svarcs

New honour for Alpine Lakes Commander

arine Rescue Alpine Lakes Unit residents, boaters and the many MCommander Les Threlfo has visitors to this region.” been recognised for his service to Mr Threlfo has been at the the community through emergency forefront of the emergency services response organisations. sector in the Snowy Mountains for Mr Threlfo was awarded an Order almost two decades. of Australia Medal on Australia Day, He has demonstrated his adding to the Emergency Services commitment to his community Medal he received in 2016. through his tireless work as a Commissioner Stacey Tannos member of MR Alpine Lakes, congratulated Mr Threlfo during a Cooma State Emergency Service visit to the high country in February. and Looking After Our Kosciuszko “Les has always shown the Orphans wildlife rescue. strongest commitment to his Mr Threlfo was a founding Commissioner Stacey Tannos congratulates MR Alpine Lakes Unit Commander Les Threlfo on his Australia Day honour. community and to his members,” member of the Alpine Lakes unit, he said. established to provide a dedicated “There’s not much he isn’t part of marine rescue capacity on the Ocean Cylinder rescue vessel Alpine on the unit’s operations. in this area of the country. hazardous Lake Jindabyne and Lake Lakes 21 was last year named in Commissioner Tannos also met “He is modest about his service Eucumbene. his honour. a team of Tasmanian firefighters but that masks the extent of the He has served continuously as Mr Threlfo said the bushfires in preparing to return home after effort and time he has devoted to Unit Commander since the unit’s the region had circled the lakes over spending two weeks supporting the safety and wellbeing of local formation in 2011 and its new summer but not impacted directly NSW bushfire operations.

56 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES PICTURE GALLERY Monaro News Marine Rescue NSW at work

Fire and floods take heavy toll on waterways What we’ve been up to Tuross River boaters keep lookout for waterbombing aircraft and large debris. he sparkling waters that give Tthe Sapphire Coast its name were lost in the flooding rainstorm that crashed over the region in early February. Huge volumes of brown, rapidly- moving water containing large amounts of bushfire ash and heavy debris swept downstream on both the Tuross and Moruya rivers. While boaters had kept watch for refilling waterbombing aircraft on the river in January, MR Tuross issued renewed warnings to those who ventured out after the rain to exercise caution amid the debris and displaced navigation markers. Fishermen stand calf-deep in water over the top of Tuross River boat ramp in February. Photo: Ilze Svarcs. The large volumes of water and Come join us … members of MR Middle Harbour assemble outside their base at The Spit for a NSW Government campaign encouraging churning mass of debris changed opening up a wide entrance eagerly bar. The Tuross boat ramp also was units in the wake of the worst of the more people to become volunteers before starting duty on a long, hot January day that would see the Sydney temperature spike at almost 49 the mouth of the Tuross. reclaimed by boaters. The unit’s flooded, with fishers calf-deep in bushfires. degrees. Photo: Salty Dingo. Where holidaymakers had earlier RWCs could again cross the bar. water. After speaking to members in the frolicked in the ankle-deep water As the Moruya River crept over Commissioner Stacey Tannos, base, they inspected the impact of and even small children had crossed its edges, rescue vessel Tuross 20 Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey the disaster on the waterways, with the river banks between Tuross was sitting well above Preddeys and Monaro Regional Director Glenn a heavy ash sludge coating the river and Potato points, that was no Wharf, where it is stationed for rapid Felkin visited the unit on January bank and unit boat ramp. longer possible, with the flooding deployment to emergencies on the 8 as part of a tour of South Coast Ilze Svarcs

New honour for Alpine Lakes Commander arine Rescue Alpine Lakes Unit residents, boaters and the many MCommander Les Threlfo has visitors to this region.” been recognised for his service to Mr Threlfo has been at the the community through emergency forefront of the emergency services Applause and thanks ... MR Botany Port Hacking Unit Commander Eat first, then race ... MR Moama’s Tristan Hinds and Roy Maiden, Lewis Stockbridge presents Trainer and Assessor Peter Baker with his ready to serve competitors and spectators a hearty breakfast before response organisations. sector in the Snowy Mountains for Long Service Medal in recognition of 25 years’ commitment. the Southern 50 ski race on the Murray River on February 8. Mr Threlfo was awarded an Order almost two decades. of Australia Medal on Australia Day, He has demonstrated his adding to the Emergency Services commitment to his community Medal he received in 2016. through his tireless work as a Commissioner Stacey Tannos member of MR Alpine Lakes, congratulated Mr Threlfo during a Cooma State Emergency Service visit to the high country in February. and Looking After Our Kosciuszko “Les has always shown the Orphans wildlife rescue. strongest commitment to his Mr Threlfo was a founding Commissioner Stacey Tannos congratulates MR Alpine Lakes Unit Commander Les Threlfo on his Australia Day honour. community and to his members,” member of the Alpine Lakes unit, he said. established to provide a dedicated “There’s not much he isn’t part of marine rescue capacity on the Ocean Cylinder rescue vessel Alpine on the unit’s operations. in this area of the country. hazardous Lake Jindabyne and Lake Lakes 21 was last year named in Commissioner Tannos also met “He is modest about his service Eucumbene. his honour. a team of Tasmanian firefighters but that masks the extent of the He has served continuously as Mr Threlfo said the bushfires in preparing to return home after No rank on the BBQ ... Commissioner Stacey Tannos is put to work Networks ... Executives from Telstra and Exigo Tech on board Middle effort and time he has devoted to Unit Commander since the unit’s the region had circled the lakes over spending two weeks supporting serving customers during a lunchtime visit for a sausage sandwich Harbour 30 learn more about MRNSW expertise and how their the safety and wellbeing of local formation in 2011 and its new summer but not impacted directly NSW bushfire operations. with members of MR Shellharbour. technology can support our mission to save lives on the water.

56 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 57 IN MEMORIAM Tributes to valued members

Members honour watch officer’s last voyage Former commander crosses bar on board Forster-Tuncurry vessel.

arine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry Australian Navy and six in MRNSW. Mmember John Fitzgerald While John was not overly passed away suddenly on January religious, he did consider he had 23 at the age of 72. his fair share of religious moments John originally joined MR Crowdy during his time in the Navy, when Harrington in 2010 and by 2012 the ship’s Captain would order all had become Unit Commander. crew up on deck for Sunday church Gaining the rating of watch services, no matter the conditions. officer, he took part in numerous With the waves crashing over the search and rescue exercises. deck, John would always have his John and his partner Marilyn feet washed - much, he thought, like Porteous transferred to MR Forster- Jesus and the Disciples. The late John Fitzgerald’s ashes are placed in the water from Forster 30 Tuncurry in 2014. On February 15, John’s ashes in February. Their former unit’s loss was were placed in the water by the certainly our gain. crew of Forster 30 alongside the MR as he “crossed the bar” for the last looking out for others and saving In 2016, John was awarded the unit base on the Breakwall. time. lives on the water. May he rest in National Medal for his combined Unit members formed a guard of It is people like John who make peace. service of nine years in the Royal honour on shore to farewell John up this wonderful organisation, Fran Breen

Make a donation to remember Ron sorely missed by n In Memoriam donation to donation to MRNSW on the passing AMRNSW is a lasting way to of your loved one or in lieu of Ulladulla colleagues remember a loved one and to flowers at their funeral or memorial support our volunteers’ vital work to service. If your loved one was a save lives on the water. member or supporter of a MRNSW You can support this work by unit, you can request that donations asking family and friends to give a are specifically directed to that unit.

Ron Williams in his RVCP uniform before the formation of Marine Rescue Ulladulla.

arine Rescue Ulladulla has lost Ulladulla area’s waterways. Ma much loved and respected In 2008, Ron qualified as a member with the passing of Ron Marine Rescue Radio Operator and Williams. continued in this role for a further Ron joined our predecessor seven years. service, the Royal Volunteer Coastal He was also assigned the duty Patrol at Ulladulla, in March 1999 of reporting our radio statistics to and began his training almost Headquarters up until about six straight away. months ago, when he fell ill. Reaching his Skipper 3 Ron will be sorely missed by unit qualification in 2002, he skippered members. Our thoughts go to his several of the unit’s vessels and was wife June and family. involved in numerous rescues on the Dave Hall

58 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS IN MEMORIAM FEEDBACK Tributes to valued members Who said what

Members honour watch officer’s last voyage Bless the Marine Rescue NSW volunteers Former commander crosses bar on board Forster-Tuncurry vessel. They risk their lives in conditions a prudent sailor tries to avoid. arine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry Australian Navy and six in MRNSW. he wind is blowing steady at 15 knots gusting to 20 from the NE. The Mmember John Fitzgerald While John was not overly Tseas are a bit lumpy at 1.5m to 2m. Nothing too difficult for a well-found passed away suddenly on January religious, he did consider he had 50ft yacht unless something goes wrong. 23 at the age of 72. his fair share of religious moments This was the scenario we witnessed recently on a trip from Sydney to John originally joined MR Crowdy during his time in the Navy, when Pittwater on our relatively small 26ft sloop. For us the conditions were Harrington in 2010 and by 2012 the ship’s Captain would order all uncomfortable and about at the limit for our little yacht. had become Unit Commander. crew up on deck for Sunday church Bigger yachts had passed us by all day. It was a tiring voyage and as we Gaining the rating of watch services, no matter the conditions. were on the final stretch, reaching across Palm Beach towards Barrenjoey, we officer, he took part in numerous With the waves crashing over the noticed a yacht about a mile behind starting to do a few strange manoeuvres. search and rescue exercises. deck, John would always have his If conditions were calmer we would have gone back to check all was well John and his partner Marilyn feet washed - much, he thought, like but the wind had increased and we were battling to make headway. Porteous transferred to MR Forster- Jesus and the Disciples. The late John Fitzgerald’s ashes are placed in the water from Forster 30 Our relief, after finally rounding Barrenjoey and heading down Pittwater, Tuncurry in 2014. On February 15, John’s ashes in February. turned to concern when we saw a rescue helicopter fly past and hover off Their former unit’s loss was were placed in the water by the Palm Beach. certainly our gain. crew of Forster 30 alongside the MR as he “crossed the bar” for the last looking out for others and saving Shortly thereafter a MRNSW boat and a smaller Police RIB raced up In 2016, John was awarded the unit base on the Breakwall. time. lives on the water. May he rest in Pittwater with lights flashing. The quick response and professionalism of rescue teams in National Medal for his combined Unit members formed a guard of It is people like John who make peace. The full story was related to us by the relieved owners, who just happened conditions best avoided is a comfort to boaters. service of nine years in the Royal honour on shore to farewell John up this wonderful organisation, Fran Breen to be towed to a berth at the marina where we were berthed. The yacht was recently purchased and after a thorough briefing from the professionalism of the rescue teams. previous owner on the systems, and a few days of hopping around Sydney to They were rapidly on the scene and had the disabled yacht under tow and get familiar with the yacht, they set off for Pittwater. disaster averted. Make a donation to remember Ron sorely missed by All was well until they rounded Bangalley Head and then the steering failed. So congratulations to the Marine Rescue Volunteers. n In Memoriam donation to donation to MRNSW on the passing A strong breeze and a lee shore meant they didn’t have much time to They give up their own holiday time so they are there when we need them. AMRNSW is a lasting way to of your loved one or in lieu of Ulladulla colleagues make good any repair or find an alternative way of steering so they put out a They risk their lives in conditions a prudent sailor tries to avoid. Bless them. remember a loved one and to flowers at their funeral or memorial PAN PAN call. Noel Peasley, Sailors Bay support our volunteers’ vital work to service. If your loved one was a It was impressive and comforting to witness the quick response and This letter first appeared inAfloat, February 2020. save lives on the water. member or supporter of a MRNSW You can support this work by unit, you can request that donations asking family and friends to give a are specifically directed to that unit. In the report, Dual honours for Port Thanks to operator Macquarie operation, in the Summer edition of Soundings, Vice Admiral for early warning Sir Timothy Laurence KCVO, CB, ADC(P) was incorrectly referrred I would like to acknowledge the operator that called me on Tuesday 26th to as Commander. The error is (November) to warn of the approaching damaging storm. regretted. It was the first time I had logged on using the app, I checked for storms Ron Williams in his RVCP uniform before the formation of Marine leaving our home port of Mosman Bay Marina but due to issues with the main Rescue Ulladulla. halyard we were delayed leaving the Heads. I received a call at 1213 warning of the rapidly approaching storm and arine Rescue Ulladulla has lost Ulladulla area’s waterways. recommending we take shelter at Quarantine. We took this advice and CALLAGHANS Ma much loved and respected In 2008, Ron qualified as a anchored. About 20 minutes later we registered 41 knots and horizontal rain. MARINE SERVICES member with the passing of Ron Marine Rescue Radio Operator and Once this passed we took the window to continue our passage with a close Williams. continued in this role for a further eye on the radar. » SERVICING ALL DIESEL, PETROL & STERNDRIVES » REPOWER & REFIT SPECIALIST Ron joined our predecessor seven years. I have been aware of the great work done by the 3000 or so volunteers at » ENGINEERING & FABRICATION service, the Royal Volunteer Coastal He was also assigned the duty Marine Rescue and the increasing capability the agency represents. » PROPULSION & STEERING SYSTEMS Patrol at Ulladulla, in March 1999 of reporting our radio statistics to (It) was great to know the team had my back and saved us from exposure » ONBOARD SYSTEMS and began his training almost Headquarters up until about six to the potentially damaging winds. » SALES, SERVICE & PARTS for straight away. months ago, when he fell ill. I wanted to pass on my personal thanks to the operator for his foresight Reaching his Skipper 3 Ron will be sorely missed by unit and action. I will pass this story on to my friends and do my best to ensure qualification in 2002, he skippered members. Our thoughts go to his they all log on/off with the app. Located @ Fenwicks Marina, 31 Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn NSW 2083 P: 02 9985 7885 | F: 02 9985 7991 several of the unit’s vessels and was wife June and family. Simon Daniel, S/Y Karisma E: [email protected] | W: www.callaghansmarine.com.au involved in numerous rescues on the Dave Hall November 29, 2019

58 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 59 FEEDBACK Who said what

Community full of praise on social media

MR Hawkesbury Facebook page, January 6, 2020. MR Broken Bay took the disabled vessel under tow offshore and handed over to MR Hawkesbury, who returned it to Berowra Waters in extreme heat.

60 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS FEEDBACK Safer boating at your fingertips Who said what

Community full of praise on social media

MARINE RESCUE NSW Download the FREE MarineRescue App!

MR Hawkesbury Facebook page, January 6, 2020. MR Broken Bay took the disabled vessel under tow offshore and handed over to MR Hawkesbury, who returned it to Berowra Waters in extreme heat.

Volunteers saving lives on the water 60 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS Soundings Element Advert 0819 Thursday, 22 August 2019 9:29:23 AM