Marine Rescue NSW volunteers return almost 500 people safely to shore in June

MARINE Rescue NSW volunteers in the Northern Rivers region successfully returned 110 people to shore in June.

They completed 45 search and rescue missions, including 26 emergency responses, across the seven Northern Rivers units: Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba, and Wooli.

Northern Rivers Inspector John Murray said Marine Rescue Point Danger was particularly busy, handling 20 missions.

“Last month was the equal busiest June for Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in the Northern Rivers region, matching the 45 search and rescue missions our crews completed in 2022,” Inspector Murray said.

The newest addition to the fleet, the Marine Rescue Brunswick 30 vessel, also launched into active service in June, significantly enhancing the unit’s response capabilities.

The first rescue it responded to involved six kayakers struggling against strong winds and currents off Cape Byron.

“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Brunswick 30 was tasked to respond to the kayakers, who were located approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Cape Byron,” Inspector Murray said.

The volunteers safely brought the six people and their kayaks to shore.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers statewide completed their second busiest June on record, with 237 search and rescue missions, including 82 emergency responses.

Volunteer crews safely returned 468 people to shore.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it was vitally important that boaters continue to monitor the weather and only go out when conditions permit.

“Boaters should regularly check their vessel’s engine and battery, have enough fuel with some in reserve, carry the correct safety equipment, and always wear a lifejacket,” Barrell said.

Boaters are encouraged to use the Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16 to Log On, allowing volunteers to monitor their safe return.

In June, 5,300 vessels logged on with Marine Rescue NSW, and the service’s radio operators managed 17,178 calls.