Marine Rescue Shoalhaven crew completes epic seven-hour rescue on Shoalhaven River

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven completed an extensive seven-hour response on Saturday night (31 August) to assist 35 canoeists stranded on the Shoalhaven River after their support vessel experienced engine difficulties.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Port Kembla based volunteers received a call for assistance from the group just after 6.30pm Saturday.

“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Shoalhaven 20 was dispatched to assist with the rescue.

“After a two-hour journey the Marine Rescue NSW crew reached the group, who were located approximately 20 kilometres west of Nowra Bridge.

“Due to strong head winds, the group were struggling to complete the return journey.

With the large number of canoeists in the group, Inspector Massey contacted the local NSW Rural Fire Service unit for assistance.

“Rescue vessel Shoalhaven 20 transported members of the group to a nearby museum jetty, completing a number of trips to successfully transfer all 35 people to shore.

“Local RFS crews were then able to transport the canoeists by bus back to Nowra.

“The Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on Shoalhaven 20 then made the return journey to the unit’s base, arriving back at around 1.40am.

“Last night’s mission was not only a success, it was also a great example of collaboration between local emergency service organisations,” Inspector Massey said.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.