Essential Marine Rescue vessel vandalised

Marine Rescue Tuross volunteers rocked by vandalism

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Tuross have been shocked by the discovery this morning that their rescue vessel, Tuross 20, has been senselessly vandalised overnight.

The vessel is off the water for urgent repairs after a large rock was thrown through the vessel’s windscreen.

Marine Rescue NSW Monaro Regional Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan said arrangements had been quickly put in place when the damage was discovered to ensure that the safety of the local boating community was maintained while the repairs were carried out.

Neighbouring units at Batemans Bay to the north and Narooma to the south will cover the waterways for their Tuross colleagues.

Mr Sullivan said the irresponsible and thoughtless vandals had potentially placed lives at risk.

“The vandalism of an emergency response vessel is extremely disappointing. This boat provides a vital service to the local boating community and every minute when you are responding to an emergency on the water,” he said.

“Our volunteers give their time to serve their local community and spend countless hours a year honing their skills so they can respond as rapidly as possible to save lives on the water. They deserve far better than this.

“It is incomprehensible why anyone would want to make their job harder and place the safety of others at risk.

Anyone with information on the damage is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports to CrimeStoppers can be made anonymously.