Huge jump in boaters rescued in past year

Record number of vessels Log On, a third using free MarineRescue App.

More than 10,000 boaters owe MRNSW crews their thanks for returning them safely to shore last year.

Our crews launched a record 4,251 rescue missions in 202021 - 67 per cent more than the previous year. These included 1,234 operations in response to lifeendangering emergencies.

A total of 8,973 adults and 949 children were rescued, along with 123 animals.

Our radio operators managed more than 256,000 radio calls - more than one every two minutes.

A record 77,921 boats Logged On, with 277,049 people on board. Thirty-four per cent of Log Ons were via the MarineRescue App.

Director Operations Andrew Cribb said this was a remarkable operational performance by our volunteers in every unit.

“I thank each and every one of the vessel crew members, radio operators and every other member for their contribution to this outcome,” he said.

Mr Cribb said the jump in this year’s statistics could be attributed both to the booming popularity of recreational boating since the onset of the Covid pandemic - and the subsequent increase in the number of incidents on the water - and also the superior data collection enabled by the introduction of the new Incident Management System in September 2020.

“Even though we don’t have quite a full year of data, we can already see the improved accuracy of the information being recorded,” he said. “Having accurate data about our operations is vital to ensuring we have people and assets when and where they are needed.”

Fishing was the most common activity boaters were undertaking when they ran into trouble, followed by cruising and sailing. Fifty-four per cent of rescues were sparked by engine, fuel and battery issues.

Almost 220 boats were grounded, 150 were disabled, 357 were overdue and 73 boaters made Mayday calls for help.

The crew of Coffs Harbour 30 searches for a 20-year-old man washed off the breakwall in January this year. Photo: Frank Redward.