In July, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were kept busy despite cooler weather, responding to 237 search and rescue missions, including 82 emergencies. This resulted in the safe return of 450 individuals to shore. Commissioner Alex Barrell noted that the demand for assistance was particularly high in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions, marking their busiest July on record. Greater Sydney also experienced a significant need for aid, with 150 people safely rescued last month.
The data revealed that 38% of incidents statewide were attributed to engine failure, a concerning statistic according to Commissioner Barrell. He emphasized the importance of proper vessel maintenance to prevent life-threatening situations. Marine Rescue NSW received nearly 20,000 calls in July, primarily managed by the Sydney State Communications Centre and Port Macquarie. Volunteer radio operators monitored over 27,000 individuals on board more than 6,000 vessels, underscoring the critical role of timely communication in maritime safety.
Commissioner Barrell stressed the significance of logging on via the Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16 to ensure continuous monitoring and swift response in case of emergencies. Enabling the position update feature on the app enhances the accuracy and speed of rescue operations, potentially saving lives.
Across various Marine Rescue NSW regions, July saw record numbers of search and rescue missions. The Northern Rivers region recorded 29 missions, with the highest demand in locations like Point Danger and Ballina. Similarly, the Mid North Coast region reported 24 missions, with Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie being the busiest areas.
The Hunter Central Coast region witnessed 71 missions, with Lake Macquarie standing out as the location of highest demand. Greater Sydney conducted 77 missions, with Sydney State Communications Centre and Botany Port Hacking being the busiest units. Illawarra, Monaro, and other regions also reported successful rescue operations during July.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie recently celebrated a new community partnership with Ritchies IGA, highlighting the crucial support from local sponsors in keeping volunteers equipped for rescue missions. In a separate incident, three sailors were rescued off Merimbula Beach thanks to prompt action by Marine Rescue Merimbula and commercial vessels.
As volunteers continue to save lives on the water, Marine Rescue NSW emphasizes the importance of communication channels like VHF Channel 16 and Channel 88 on 27MHz for boaters in distress. In case of emergencies, using marine radios or contacting Triple Zero (000) remains crucial for swift assistance.
Marine Rescue NSW’s commitment to maritime safety and efficient response mechanisms underscores the dedication of its volunteers in safeguarding boaters and ensuring a timely rescue operation whenever needed.
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