Record equalling year for Marine Rescue

TIM HOWARD

Northern Rivers marine rescue services have done more than their fair share contributing to to the rescues of more than 10,500 people around NSW in 2024.

Northern Rivers Marine Rescue equalled its busiest year, carrying out 353 search and rescue mission, including 176 emergency responses, ensuring 718 people were returned to shore safely. The record was set in 2023.

The 353 search and rescue missions including 176 emergency responses with 718 people safely.

The locations of highest demand for the seven Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba and Wooli – were Point Danger 143, Ballina 82 and Iluka Yamba 70.

Marine Rescue Ballina set a new unit calendar year record with 82 missions surpassing 76 set in 2023.

Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba set a new unit calendar year record with 70 missions surpassing 62 set in 2022.

On the Mid North Coast Marine Rescue conducted 386 search and rescue missions including 201 emergency responses with 805 people safely returned to shore across all nine units.

Mid North Coast units are based at:

Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington and Forster/ Tuncurry.

Locations of highest demand were Forster/ Tuncurry 115, Port Macquarie 96 and Coffs Harbour 63.

Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry set a new unit calendar year record with 115 missions surpassing 109 set in 2023.

Marine Rescue Woolgoolga set a new unit calendar year record with 13 missions surpassing eight set in 2020.

Marine Rescue Trial Bay set a new unit calendar year record with 43 missions surpassing 40 set in 2023.

Lake Macquarie and Hunter Marine Rescue was the busiest in the state, completing 652 search and rescue missions and safely returning 1261 people to shore.

In 2024, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers dealt with everything from capsized vessels to groundings.

A Marine Rescue spokesperson said many of the callouts could have been prevented with better boat maintenance with engine, battery, and fuel issues accounting for 60 per cent of incidents crews attended.

Across NSW crews performed a total of 4735 search and rescue missions, including 1364 emergency responses, safely returning 10,539 people to shore.

Demand on the service in 2024 was just below the record 4,786 search and rescue missions conducted in 2023.

Marine Rescue NSW radio operators had a busy 2024 managing 242, 586 radio calls – with a large number managed by the 24/7 Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre at Belrose.

Marine Rescue NSW

Commissioner Alex Barrell said boaters needed to take heed of water safety issue.

“Whether heading out on enclosed or open waters, it’s vitally important for boaters to carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, ensure their vessel is in good working order, carry enough fuel, and continually monitor the weather,” he said.

“A sudden change in conditions can lead to life-threatening incidents.

“Engine and battery failure and running out of fuel are preventable issues, and boaters need to ensure their vessel is in good working order before heading out.”

He said Marine Rescue base staff were a crucial part in maintaining safety at sea.

“Marine Rescue NSW radio operators are the link between the land and the sea. They are often the frst voice heard by a boater in distress,” Mr Barrell said.

“They play a crucial role in search and rescue responses, and boaters should feel assured that Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are available around the clock.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said paid tribute to the volunteers who provide he service.

“The demand on Marine Rescue NSW volunteers is constant all year-round,” he said.

“These volunteers play a vital role in the safety of everyone using the state’s waterways 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Communities across NSW are fortunate to have such a highly skilled and dedicated team of volunteers who are rescue-ready day or night.”

Marine rescue said there were plenty of steps boaters could follow to minimise risks while at sea. They should:

• Log On and Off with Marine Rescue via VHF Channel 16 or use the free Marine Rescue NSW app available for iOS and Android devices.

• Make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.

• Make sure your vessel’s engine and battery are working.

• Make sure you have enough fuel and some in reserve.

• Always check conditions and safety equipment.

Ten Charged During Operation Surge – Richmond Police District

JEFF GIBBS

A four-day highvisibility operation by the Richmond Police District, supported by specialized teams, has led to the arrest and charging of 10 individuals for a combined 53 offences. The operation, named Operation Surge, ran from Monday, 13 January to Thursday, 16 January 2025, focusing on crime prevention and disruption in the state’s north.

The operation involved Northern Region Operations teams, Highway Patrol, the Dog

Unit, Police Rescue, and PolAir. Offcers conducted 28 AVO compliance checks, executed four search warrants, and completed four frearms prohibition order compliance checks. Key Incidents

• Monday, 13 January 2025: o Lismore Hotel Arrest: A 46-year-old man was charged with multiple sexual assault and drug supply offences following an investigation by the North Coast DV High Risk Offenders Team and Ballina Child Abuse Squad. Charges included fve counts of drug supply to a minor and aggravated sexual assault. He was refused bail and will reappear in court on Wednesday, 12 March 2025. o Casino Firearms Search: At a home on Boronia Avenue, a 31-year-old man was arrested for driving offences related to stolen vehicles. He was charged with driving without consent and during disqualifcation. Bail was refused, and he is set to appear in court on Monday, 3 March 2025.

• Tuesday, 14 January 2025: Girards Hill Search Warrant: Lismore Detectives, assisted by the AFP Dog Unit, seized electronic devices, cannabis, and heroin during a search warrant execution. A 53-year-old man was charged with child abuse material and drug possession offences. He was granted conditional bail to appear in court on Wednesday, 12 March 2025. o Casino Arrest: A 20-year-old man was charged with 26 offences, including break and enter, drug, and traffc crimes. Bail was refused, and he will next appear in court on Tuesday, 11 March 2025.

• Wednesday, 15 January 2025: o Goonellabah Arrests: Police arrested a 14-year- old boy and a 19-yearold man in connection with property and traffc offences. Charges ranged from aggravated break and enter to driving without consent and breaching bail.

Both were denied bail, with court dates set for Friday, 7 February 2025, and Wednesday, 26 March 2025, respectively.

Ongoing Operations Richmond Police District has indicated that further Operation Surge activities are planned across the Northern Region to continue targeting and reducing crime.

SAMANTHA ELLEY

It seems, every time it rains, the drainage system is so bad in Broadwater that many properties get inundated.

Mark Byrne is a cane farmer and he has been in regular contact with Richmond Valley Council asking them to investigate the system, as his cane paddocks and even his driveway regularly go underwater.

He blames an illegal pipe in Traveller’s Arm Lane, just off Byrne Street, that was built over 40 years ago.

“I was told by the Richmond Valley Council that this pipe was illegal and not on their plans,” Mr Byrne confrmed.

“The storm water (from this pipe) runs onto the Byrne farm.”

Mr Byrne also said when there is a rain event, his driveway and under his house is fooded.

“There is no table drain in front of houses on the northern side of Byrne Street,” he said.

“A plumber has told me that 100 square metres of roof area creates 10,000 litres of water runoff.”