New marine vessel in ship-shape to help save lives in the Torres Strait
Queensland Commissioner of Police Steve Gollshewski was making waves as he attended a ceremony on Thursday Island for the commissioning of vessel WA11 Waubin.
The commissioning of vessel WA11 Waubin is a significant event for the Torres Strait marine volunteers and the local community, demonstrating commitment and support for the region’s island communities.
Activity on the water is an essential lifeline to communities in the Torres Strait, where some of the highest search and rescue activity in Queensland occurs.
“Supporting our marine rescue volunteers with replacement assets to assist their community and the boating public is a priority for the Queensland Police Service,” said Commissioner Gollschewski.
All About the Waubin
Waubin is the first vessel delivered as part of the Queensland Government Vessel Replacement Program, which includes an investment of $23 million over four years to replace aging marine vessels.
Currently operated by Volunteer Marine Rescue Thursday Island, Waubin has already been deployed in response to search and rescue operations in the Torres Strait.
The new vessel can carry up to 12 crew and passengers at speeds in excess of 35 knots and has a cruising range in excess of 550Km.
Waubin is regularly used for both crew training and rescue activation activities across the Torres Strait including Thursday Island, Horn Island, Hammond Island and Prince of Wales Island.
Waubin will soon be captained by the newly established Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ).
What is the connection between MRQ and the Queensland Police Service?
MRQ has been established as a separate community safety volunteer service supported by the QPS, further strengthening the relationships between marine rescue volunteers and Queensland’s Water Police.
MRQ is Queensland’s first integrated marine rescue volunteer organisation, bringing together Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland (VMRQ) and Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA).
“The relationship and connection with Queensland Police, in particular the Water Police, has always been strong and we will continue to maintain and support these valuable relationships,” said Commissioner Steve Gollschewski.
