New rescue boat boost in Apollo Bay

November 28, 2018 BY James Taylor

Celebrating the arrival of the new search and rescue vessel at Apollo Bay are, from left, Emergency Management Victoria’s Wes Oswin, Apollo Bay Ocean Rescue members Leo Di Cecco, Peter Biddle, Ross Hadley and Anthony Alfirenko, and Victoria Water Police’s Ben Penrose.

IN a bid to optimise emergency services’ ability to attend to marine emergencies along the shire coast, Colac Otway Shire council has announced a new search and rescue boat for Apollo Bay Ocean Rescue.

The repurposed 12-metre long vessel – which was allocated $850,000 by the Victorian state government – will be based at the Port of Apollo Bay and used primarily for marine search and rescue.

The new addition to the shire’s emergency services team will also be available to support a range of situations including marine pollution response, firefighting, Victoria Police operations and wildlife emergencies.

Shire councillor Chris Potter said the new vessel is a great resource for Apollo Bay and was pleased with council’s decision to nominate a base for the Stebercraft 40 rescue boat to dock.

Cr Potter also said the government ha acknowledged the need for a larger rescue boat which would be able to respond to numerous emergencies along the coast from Lorne to Port Campbell.

“The government’s decision to berth the new boat at Apollo Bay also shows the significance of the Port to the region,” he said.

Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) – in conjunction with Victoria Water Police – will help train the Apollo Bay Ocean Rescue volunteers and familiarise them with the new vessel.