Marine Rescue Queensland | Non-profit organisation

Marine Rescue Queensland

Phone: +61 7 3635 3879

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25.01.2022 Training never stops at VMR Bribie Island our new crew trainees on Saturday were fire fighting and learning the correct way of letting off flares under the watchful eyes of the Commodore Liz Radajewski and Trainer Simon Middap.

23.01.2022 TWO Activations 7/11/20: First a flare sighting then a Medivac It was 19:40 when I ( Ken ) heard the emergency tone on my phone. It was Roger, one of our dedica...ted 24 hour emergency phone holders. "There has been a flare sighting, and we have a Search and Rescue mission," he said, "I will gather a crew. Can you leave now?" "Absolutely! I am on my way" I responded, and headed out the door. We departed on Coral Sea Marina VMR1 at 20:00 with Geoff S, Shane N and Michael onboard. Our mission was to search Mandalay then move on to the Beak (Shute Harbour) then to the Molles to cover their Western coasts. While Geoff scanned the FLIR night vision infra red camera screen, both Shane and Michael used our spot lights and LED high power torches to sweep light across the dark coastline areas I concentrated on the Radar and chart in the black night...but the origin of the apparent flare sighting was not to be found. After searching all these coasts we returned to CSM at 22:00. With the paperwork and clean up completed we all headed for home. The only time the Aussies beat New Zealand and I am out gallivanting about the ocean! Oh well, off to bed and I will watch it on replay tomorrow. I had just got to the stage where I was really enjoying my bed when the phone rang. Yep. Roger again. It was 00.22 so who else calls at that time of night! He did apologise though. "Sorry, but we have a medivac from Hamilton island. Can you handle this?" Well, I wasn't yet asleep so OK...on my way. When I got to Coral Sea Marina VMR1 I met up with Michel who blearily said "Where is the coffee?" Tony and Grant arrived followed by the Ambulance crew, so with all checks completed we ready to go. We departed CSM at 01:30 the sea conditions weren't too bad. Arrived Hamilton island 02:20 and had a short wait for the patient to arrive on a stretcher before we headed back Coral Sea Marina at 02:50. With the South Easter now behind us, we were surfing and the conditions were very comfortable. On our arrival back the crew helped with the stretcher while I started the shut down. Back in our berth for wash down and paperwork. I finally got to go home at 04:35....hardly worth going to bed. Thank you to the crew for your dedication. Search & Rescue Activation Senior: Geoff S, Comms: Shane N, Crew: Michael Skipper: Ken Medivac Senior: Michel, Comms: Grant, Crew: Tony Skipper: Ken

21.01.2022 Duty crew were called in late in the afternoon to render assistance to a 38ft, 28t, motor cruiser that was anchored, but out of fuel, west of South Point on BWI.... Before Hyne Timber Rescue departed the harbour, a second call was received from a tinny out of fuel just north of Round Island. The tinny was towed back and then HTR headed to the cruiser. The cruiser’s skipper asked to be dropped outside the harbour so HTR’s crew ensured she was secure and anchored away from the scallop shell banks. #BoatSafe

20.01.2022 VMR Bundaberg rescues two fishermen from life raft Bundy Rescue 2 departed Base at 03:45 this morning after activation by Police to go to the assistance of two ...men in a life raft after the sinking of their trawler some 23nm north of Burnett Heads. Significant other resources were also activated for this incident including two LifeFlight helicopters and the AMSA Challenger jet from Cairns. Bundy Rescue 2 arrived on scene just after 05:00 and was tasked by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra to recover the men from the life raft. The transfer was completed in a sloppy sea just after sunrise. The raft was also recovered onto Bundy Rescue 2 and the active EPIRB turned off. Bundy Rescue 2 returned to Burnett Heads at best speed (24 knots) in the prevailing conditions to rendezvous with a QAS ambulance as one of the men sustained a leg injury while boarding the life raft. A Securité message was broadcast by the VMR Base to warn shipping of floating debris in the vicinity of the incident. Crew: Graham (Skipper), Glenn, Cam & Peter W. Radio: Rod S & John S Photos: On scene at sunrise; The raft and helicopter

19.01.2022 The plan today was for Hyne Timber Rescue and Rescue III to head out for some procedures training. Before either vessel could move, a call for assistance came f...rom a beautifully restored 1940’s 6metre vessel seeking a tow back to Kingfisher Bay. As this vessel was dropped off, a second call was received from a runabout out of fuel SW of Pelican Bank. The ongoing fires on the island looked like a large looming storm. Boaties were helped, and procedures were practiced. #BoatSafe #SOLAS

18.01.2022 A Sunday afternoon job towing back to Jacobs Well.

14.01.2022 Training Room to EPIRB Activation in 10 mins: It's not often we get calls with so many skippers and crew at the base, but Monday might be a record for DBCT Resc...ue 6. At 4:45pm, with Navigation training winding up for the day, a call came for an EPRIB activation near Scawfell Island. Within 10 mins, Don (RTO and Skipper) had launched Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) Rescue 6, joined by Joline, Noel and Mike (Crew) who were just closing Nav books in the training room. With assistance of our own Radio Room, VTS Hay Point, RACQ CQ Rescue (story on their FB page as well) and two recreational vessels nearby (big thank-you to them), the boat was located quickly. The 4.5m vessel had complete electrical failure, which meant no radios, no lights, would not start and they could not see any other vessels to signal for assistance. They were also in the "shadow" of Scawfell Island with no phone coverage, and night fall was quickly approaching. The EPIRB meant location was accurate and help arrived before nightfall. Upon arrival the crew attached a tow line from DBCT Rescue 6, and began the journey back to Mackay. The trip was a bit rough, with one wave coming over the bow of DBCT Rescue 6, and the towline dropping off due to the tow-hook being straightened out. This is why we always have a forward AND stern facing watch during tows. A back-up hook was attached, and all enjoyed the incredible sunset, arriving back into Mackay at 9pm. Again our special thanks to the 2 recreational mariners who heard the radio calls, and assisted in locating the vessel quickly, Well done! See more

14.01.2022 Bundy Rescue is currently slowly making her was back to Burnett Heads after a Mayday call was received at the base just before 8am this morning from a Trimaran ...that had been demasted and was taking on water. The initial call was that the lone sailor was abandoning ship and taking to a tender. Initial attempts lo pin point the location of the vessel were hampered due to the aerial being now at water level and communication scratchy . Once the EPIRB had been activated a location was obtained and Police co-ordinated a rescue mission. This involved Bundy Rescue steaming at best speed to the location some 25nm from Burnett Heads. Seas of over 2m and squally winds reduced speed to under 10 knots at times with the rescue vessel taking waves over the bow. The Bundaberg based RACQ Lifeflight helicopter was also tasked and maintained station over the stricken vessel until the arrival of Bundy Rescue. The bulk carrier "Taihua Star" (which had just left Bundaberg Port) was tasked by AMSA to also attend the location and provide some relief from the seas and wind whilst the operation was underway. It will be a slow trip home for the crew of Bundy Rescue only able to travel at 6 knots due to conditions. Skipper Tony with crew of Glenn V, Cam and Rod. See more

13.01.2022 Thursday afternoon Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg were activated by Maritime Safety Qld and the Hervey Bay Water Police to reports of an upturned power cat 8...nm N/E of the Burnett River. It was established that this vessel was the one that had overturned west of Wathumba Creek on Fraser Island and the rescue of 4 men from the upturned hull by Bundaberg's RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Helicopter on Sunday 8th. Skipper Bill and crew of Peter W, Gail C, Darryl C, Karl B and Dermot M were despatched. However in the fading light the vessel was not located. After reports on Friday morning the vessel was located off Bargara. It was unable to be righted and the tow back to the Burnett Heads boat harbour proved a slow haul at 2.5kts. This 2nd activation was undertaken by Skipper Bill and crew of Jim w, Rod B, Cam H and John C. See more

13.01.2022 Activation 22/11/20: Medivac almost interrupts my pizza making! It was right on 1930 hours and I (Marti) had just pulled my home made pizza out of the oven when.......... I heard the VMR ringtone from my phone. Yes, it was Bill who had the 24/7 phone, and he said he was needing a Skipper for a medivac to Hamilton Island. I headed to the marina and wolfed down a large slice of pizza on the way. I wasn't going to miss out on that! Dockside the crew and two paramedics were all on board and were almost ready to depart by the time I arrived. (Good work you guys.) After finalising all the predeparture checks and log sheet entries we departed on Coral Sea Marina VMR1 for Hamilton Island at 2005 hours. Some minutes later after rounding Pioneer Point and lining up for Unsafe Passage, Shane climbed up to the fly bridge to let me know that our paramedics were expecting to go to Hayman Island not Hamilton Island. Hmmmm... A bit of discussion and a phone call later, it was confirmed that they were correct and it was indeed a medivac to Hayman. Still on course for Unsafe Passage we maintained our heading because it was the shortest route now to Hayman compared to doubling back. With a ESE 15-20 we had a good angle for crossing the passage to Hayman on the waves to say the least. With only a few minutes lost going the scenic route, we arrived at Hayman in quick time to receive our guests for the journey home. At 2120 hours, 15 minutes later we were on our way home. At least we know where home is! Ha ha. It was a beautiful moonlit night with a smatter of light rain here and there as we steamed back to port and came alongside at 2220 hours. After tying up, the paramedics and patients were gone in a flash and we did the usual refuel, tidy up and clean. A big pat on the back to Shane for sorting out the destination issue so expeditiously and again to all, for the great line work berthing in particular. Whilst the circumstances were confusing at first, I commend everyone on the level headed approach in getting it sorted. Unfortunately the Garden Bar Restaurant was closed at that time of night so I couldn't buy everyone a beer. Crew: Bill H (FLIR and backup watch) Comms: Shane N Senior Crew: Michelle Skipper: Marti

11.01.2022 Activation 18/11/20: A medivac to Hammo is better than gluing pipes! I (Marti) was flat on my stomach with a pot of pipe glue in one hand and the glue brush in ...the other, reaching over the new decking and applying the glue to the pool pipe. I was at a crucial stage when the VMR ringtone went off. Committed now to continue, I fixed the pipe into position, secured the pot of glue, rolled over and then fumbled for my phone in my shorts in the horizontal position. Finally (seemed to take forever) I answered the call while looking up at the blue late afternoon sky and a voice on the other end said Bill here, are you available to carry out a Medivac to Hamilton island? "Of course" I said, "I'm not doing too much at the moment." It was 1700 hours when I arrived dockside to find Shane and Grant busily carrying out the prestart checks and preparing Coral Sea Marina VMR1 for departure. Our paramedic was also onboard when I arrived. A few minutes later Paul arrived and 15 minutes later Paul had us underway. With 20 knots SE we punched our way to Hamilton island through Unsafe Passage past Reef Point and north of Henning Island and onto the marina. With the bottom end of the runout tide we didn’t experience too much chop across the passage and around Pioneer Rocks. Paul had us berthed on G arm, our regular spot and our paramedic jumped off to assist the resident paramedic in preparing the patient for the trip home. Only 15 minutes later, we had our patient secured onboard on the stretcher and we started the journey home. It was an easy ride home the same way we came, and with a following sea we reached 24.8 knots in the passage at one stage. With light fading rapidly the FLIR and radar got more attention, particularly as we approached Pioneer Point and Airlie Beach as we needed to keep a watch for small boats (and big boats of course). Back alongside at the Coral Sea Marina both patient and paramedic disembarked without too much ado. We then refuelled, returned to our berth and gave VMR1 a washdown, completed the paperwork and we all stepped off at 2000 hours. Good line work by Shane and Grant in particular and the job went smoothly without any incidents to report. Well done to all. Senior Crew: Paul Comms: Shane N Trainee: Grant Skipper: Marti

11.01.2022 Are you ready for the season ahead? Register and update your beacon details for free through our website: https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/

09.01.2022 Activation 23/12/20: New trainee gets a free trip to Hammo (for a Medivac ) We left CSM @ 1308 hrs with one Paramedic on board. The weather was clear with seas... less than half a metre, so it was a pleasant trip over to Hammo. We were alongside in Hamilton Island Marina @ 1356 where we (carefully) loaded our patient and his father (as carer). We left Hamilton Marina @ 1407 hrs and were back in CSM and unloaded, refuelled and washed down and back in our pen by 1540 hrs. The patient’s father expressed his gratitude for VMRW’s assistance on behalf of himself and his young son. I assured him it was what VMRW is there for helping the community in time of need. Thanks to the crew for making it pleasant due to their easy going ,calm competence. Special mention for Nick on his first activation and prepared to give up his time (even over Xmas/New Year) to help the community Hope you enjoyed your first one Nick. Crew: Ron (Snr Crew), Michael (Comms) & Nick (Trainee) Skipper: Fin

03.01.2022 CYCLONE SEASON IS NOW UPON US, and we would like to pass on to you some of the advice and recommendations from Maritime Safety Queensland. Be prepared! WHAT IF ...I WON'T BE HERE? Make sure you leave a key to your boat, and contact details with a responsible (and licensed) person, telling them when and where your boat needs to be moved if there is a severe weather warning. WHAT IF I GET CAUGHT IN SEVERE WEATHER? Personal safety is the number one priority at all times. Always check the weather forecast before you go to sea. If in doubt, don’t go out! At the first sign of bad or severe weather while you are on the water, make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket. If you cannot get back to your normal mooring or boat ramp, look for shelter in rivers or creeks with a mangrove fringe to act as a buffer zone from the wind. Remember that heavy rain will increase the flow of ebb tides in any creeks or rivers. Follow evacuation advice from police and emergency services. You'll find lots more useful information here: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Saf/Preparing-for-severe-weather

02.01.2022 It was a busy day on the water today at VMR Bribie. First a Bribie 1 assist to an 8m cruiser with engine problems, towed back to Scarborough. Then off to anot...her 8m cruiser with engine troubles at Bulwer, taken back to Pacific Harbour. While this was happening, Bribie 2 was dispatched to Tangalooma to bring a 5.5m boat back to Spinnaker, and to top it off a tinny towed back form Spinnaker to the base. Big day and everyone happy to be back safely. See more