Rescue response and capability has been significantly improved with a new vessel now in operation at Marine Rescue Brunswick.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib officially commissioned Brunswick 30 today and joined Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell in welcoming the $751,877 replacement vessel to the service’s fleet.
Minister Dib said the new vessel will help the 74 dedicated volunteers based at Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour respond quickly to people who need assistance on local waters.
“This new vessel features the latest in marine search and rescue technology and is an investment in the highly skilled volunteers who assist and support boaters at any time day and night.”
“Brunswick 30 is one of several new vessels being rolled out to ensure volunteers have the support and tools they need to continue their selfless work helping people, often in life-threatening situations.”
“I encourage all boaters to make logging on with Marine Rescue NSW part of their pre-launch routine either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16, it only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.”
“I thank our volunteers and wish them well in their mission of saving lives on the water with this new rescue vessel,” Minister Dib said.
Built by Yamba Welding and Engineering, Brunswick 30 is a 10 metre Naiad powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower engines, capable of a top speed of 42 knots.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the vessel features an impressive suite of navigation and communications equipment.
“With its speed, manoeuvrability and onboard technology this vessel enhances search and rescue capability at Brunswick Heads and surrounds.
“Brunswick 30 features a FLIR thermal infrared camera, 3D side scan sonar, doppler radar and the YachtSense system, which allows search patterns to be uploaded remotely.
“This will significantly reduce the time to activate coordinates and search patterns provided by NSW Police Marine Area Command improving response times during emergencies.
“Marine Rescue Brunswick is an important part of the Marine Rescue NSW network, often supporting neighbouring units, Point Danger and Ballina in search and rescue missions.
“This unit had its busiest year ever in 2023 with volunteer crews completing 31 missions and safely returning 63 people to shore,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said the new replacement vessel has already proven to be a vital lifesaving asset for the area.
“Last month our crew deployed on the new Brunswick 30 for its first rescue mission and saved six kayakers struggling in strong winds and currents approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Cape Byron.
“It is an outstanding vessel capable of heavy bar crossings with its evolutionary axe head bow and can rapidly deploy up to 30 nautical miles offshore.
“We thank the NSW Government for its financial assistance.” Unit Commander Wilcock said.
He also thanked the NSW RFS Byron and Clunes brigades for the water salute of Brunswick 30.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
