New $400,000 rescue vessel bolsters South Coast boating safety

Member for Bega Andrew Constance today commissioned the newest addition to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet - a $400,000 rescue vessel to bolster boating safety on the NSW South Coast.

Mr Constance said the new Marine Rescue Tuross vessel was one of 38 rescue boats funded thanks to a record $37.6 million, four-year State Government investment to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.

Mr Constance joined MRNSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell, Monaro Regional Director Glenn Felkin and Tuross volunteers to officially welcome Tuross 21, a 7.5 metre Ocean Cylinder, to the MRNSW fleet.

Photo: Marine Rescue Tuross

“The NSW Government is proud to support our emergency services volunteers, ensuring they have the resources and equipment they need for their work to protect and assist our community,” he said.

“This new vessel is a great asset not only for the Tuross volunteers but also boaters in this area of the South Coast, which is a drawcard for locals and visitors alike.

“Tuross 21 has the power and reliability to ensure the unit’s crews can be able to be on the scene of an emergency more rapidly than ever.”

Deputy Commissioner Barrell thanked the State Government and the boating community for their generous financial support for Marine Rescue NSW.

“This support means we can continue to deliver our volunteers modern, safe and reliable boats like this one, purpose-built to meet local operating conditions both on the Moruya River and up to 15 nautical miles out to sea,” he said.

“This means both our volunteers and local boaters will be safer.”

Built by Yamba Welding & Engineering on the NSW North Coast and powered by Suzuki outboards, Tuross 21 is equipped with the latest search and rescue technology and provides greater manoeuvrability and endurance, enabling crews to search for longer.

Unit Commander Alan Blessington said the boat was moored close to the mouth of the Moruya River, specifically to ensure rescue crews could be on the scene of emergencies on the hazardous bar as rapidly as possible.

“The updated technology and equipment on board will improve our search capability,” he said.

“It is more robust than our previous boat and has greater endurance, which means we can operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.”

The boat’s search and rescue equipment includes modern marine communications, radar, thermal imaging camera and a full first aid fit-out, including a defibrillator and oxygen kit