MAKING WAVES Monaro News
New $400,000 vessel source of great pride Tuross Ocean Cylinder boosts safety of Eurobodalla local and visiting boaters.
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ew rescue vessel Tuross 21 was officially commissioned on a stellar day in April at the Moruya Town Wharf. Dignitaries and guests, including Bega MP Andrew Constance, Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes and MRNSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell and Monaro Regional Director Glenn Felkin, assembled with unit members ahead of the arrival of the $400,000 Ocean Cylinder, which was looking grand. The ceremony, ably led by MC Geoff Clarke, included an acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners of the Land, the National Anthem and flag raising before Chaplain, Major David Simpkin, blessed the new vessel. Mr Constance, Cr Innes and unit sponsors, Graham and Julie Brown from Euro Civil and DJ Matt Brown, later got the chance to inspect the boat close-up during a short trip on the Moruya River.
Bega MP Andrew Constance (rear), Deputy Commmissioner Alex Barrell and members of MR Tuross assemble for the commissioning of Tuross 21. UC Alan Blessington (below) addresses guests.
Unit members are proud of their new 7.5 metre primary rescue vessel, purpose-designed and built for offshore operations. Constructed by Yamba Welding & Engineering, TU 21 is an investment in the safety of the large local and visiting boating community enjoying the waters of
Eurobodalla - and of our volunteers operating on board. Powered by twin Suzuki 150hp outboards, the vessel is fitted with the latest generation search and rescue and first aid equipment, including a defibrillator and oxygen kit. Ilze Svarcs
Lessons to be learned in new environment Extension to unit base gives Batemans Bay members a lift.
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s summer drew to a close, a crew from MR Batemans Bay headed north with other MRNSW personnel to support the State Emergency Service’s flood operations on and around the Hawkesbury River in Western Sydney. This was a unique experience and a challenge for the crews from all units, who performed well in debrisfilled floodwaters, learning many lessons in a difficult and changing environment. Closer to home, our volunteers and members of MR Tuross were out on the water to help conduct and maintain safety for the Batemans Bay Paddle Challenge. The crews set out marker buoys, checked on entrants’ safety and in
one instance recovered a paddler from the water and helped them back to the staging point. At the end of April, a crew on board our primary rescue vessel Batemans 30 travelled to Bermagui for the annual SAREX event, with a mix of experienced and new attendees. Aside from the sea journey - into a north east swell for the whole return trip - our members enjoyed the learning and networking experiences and the new format for the two-day event. Off the water, construction is finished on the extension of the unit’s base at Hanging Rock. The new addition will enable the unit’s RHIB vessel to remain permanently attached to its launch vehicle, reducing response times.
Volunteers from MR Batemans Bay and Tuross join forces to help keep entrants in the Batemans Bay Paddle Challenge safe.
It will also accommodate a new training room and a lift for improved access to the building. Members of our unit and Tuross will again join forces on July 3
to take part in the Hanging Rock Emergency Services Fun Day, with vessels on display and other fun family activities. David Murn SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW
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