Volunteers help deliver new marine rescue vessel

MARINE Rescue Ballina has unveiled its new state-of-the-art vessel to the public after a successful sea trial and unit induction in the region.

Volunteers at the unit helped raise $150,000 towards the cost of the replacement vessel along with a contribution from the state government.

The community got a first-hand look at the new vessel earlier this week, which has replaced the existing boat which has been used in hundreds of callouts since 2013.

Marine Rescue NSW fleet manager Kelvin Parkin said the rescue boat is powered by twin 300-horsepower Suzuki duo-prop engines, capable of reaching a top speed of 42 knots.

“The vessel offers improved on-water stability and an axe-head bow, making it capable of handling heavy bar crossings and long-distance offshore missions,” he said.

“It has excellent manoeuvrability, rapid acceleration and ergonomic cabin arrangements designed to reduce crew fatigue.”

 

Crew inductions will continue this week with the vessel expected to be operational before the end of the month.

Marine Rescue Ballina unit Commander Peter Hill said volunteer crew members were impressed by the vessel.

“This vessel will be a valuable life-saving asset for the Ballina community,” he said.

“It’s a state-of-the-art vessel with the latest marine navigation and communications technology, and it will perform search and rescue operations much better during the day and especially at night.”

Marine Rescue boat captain Geoff Hutchinson published a book which covered the history of shipwrecks on the Richmond River Bar between 1840-2024 with part of the proceeds going towards the vessel.

“Our Ballina volunteers, community organisations and the community in general have been very generous in their support for us,”

Hill said.