Cutting-edge vessel enhances Marine Rescue NSW response on Lake Macquarie and Hunter Coast
by Marine Rescue NSW 21 Jul 09:09 BST
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Base and Vessel © Marine Rescue NSW
Lake Macquarie volunteers at the State's busiest Marine Rescue NSW unit have already safely returned 672 people to shore and completed 297 search and rescue missions in a busy first half of the year.
The number of people returned safely is consistent with the 681 rescued during the same period last year, as the unit prepares for another busy boating season ahead.
Capability at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie has been boosted with an enhanced rescue vessel, Lake Macquarie 31, which was officially welcomed today during a commissioning ceremony at the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie base at Pelican.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib joined Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Unit Commander Jim Wright to commission the vessel.
"Boaters across the state can rest assured that the NSW Government's investment in Marine Rescue NSW is delivering rapid response rescue vessels with impressive offshore search and rescue capabilities," Minister Dib said.
"This vessel is built in NSW and has already made a significant contribution to the hundreds of lives saved across the region in support of volunteer efforts."
"The Government is committed to providing the 184 skilled and dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie with state-of-the-art resources to support their mission of saving lives on the water."
"This rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Coast's active boating community and its many visitors."
Minister Dib also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16.
"Using the Marine Rescue app or contacting Marine Rescue NSW through VHF channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who do not return from a trip as planned," he said.
Lake Macquarie 31 is an 8.5-metre Naiad, built by Yamba Welding and Engineering, and replaces the unit's former 7.5-metre Sailfish catamaran.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the vessel is a critically important asset for the popular boating area and thanked the NSW Government for its ongoing financial support.
"LM 31 has enhanced the search and rescue response at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie. The unit's fleet now comprises two Naiad rapid response vessels and two rescue watercraft (jet skis)," Commissioner Barrell said.
"This new vessel features an axe-head bow capable of handling heavy bar crossings, a full Raymarine suite of navigation equipment, FLIR (forward-looking infrared camera), radar and sonar."
"These advanced systems assist our volunteers in operating effectively in all conditions," he said.
Lake Macquarie 31 is powered by twin Suzuki 250-horsepower outboard engines, capable of reaching speeds of up to 42 knots, and provides lifesaving capability both offshore and on enclosed waters.
"This vessel can rapidly deploy up to 30 nautical miles offshore and has excellent manoeuvrability on the lake," Commissioner Barrell added.
Unit Commander Jim Wright said volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie continue to respond around the clock to emergencies in the area, with crews completing a large number of search and rescue missions this year.
"This unit is busy both on and off the water, with our team of radio operators supporting vessel crews by managing communications and monitoring marine radio 24/7," he said.
Unit Commander Wright thanked the local community and businesses for their generous support of the unit's fundraising efforts, which contributed 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
"The unit also extends its gratitude to Daracon Group, McDonald Jones, and Trinity Point Marina for their financial contributions towards Lake Macquarie 31. Their ongoing support is greatly appreciated."
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.