Minister for Emergency Services Steph Cooke today welcomed the newest addition to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet, a $329,000 rescue vessel based at Merimbula.
Ms Cooke said the new Marine Rescue Merimbula 20 vessel was the latest of 38 rescue boats funded through the NSW Government’s record $37.6 million investment.
“The NSW Government is supporting the life-saving work of Marine Rescue volunteers by ensuring they have the resources and equipment needed for their vital work to protect and assist our community,” Ms Cooke said.
“This wonderful new rescue vessel is a great asset not only for the Merimbula unit’s volunteers, but also to the boaters who regularly enjoy this beautiful section of our State’s coastline.
“A 6.8 metre split console Naiad, with twin 140 HP Suzuki engines and a top speed of 37 knots, Merimbula 20 has the power and reliability to ensure that when every minute counts, Marine Rescue volunteers can be on the scene of an emergency as quickly as possible.
“This new vessel complements an additional rescue vessel recently delivered to Eden, which will be put to good use over the very busy summer period.”
Marine Rescue Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanked the NSW Government and the boating community for their generous financial support for Marine Rescue NSW.
“With this support we are able to deliver our volunteers modern, safe and reliable boats like this one, purpose-built to meet local operating conditions both on Merimbula’s lake and up to 15 nautical miles out to sea,” Mr Tannos said.
“Merimbula 20 is easily hitched to a trailer, allowing it to be towed to wherever it is required in an emergency, giving our members more flexibility than ever.”
Built in NSW by Yamba Welding & Engineering, Merimbula 20 features the latest search and rescue technology, and with greater maneuverability and endurance, rescue crews will be able to search for longer.
Unit Commander Sonia Teston said Merimbula 20 has faster acceleration, greater range and smoother passage to greatly enhance its crew’s ability to respond to emergencies on the water.
“This new boat arrived just in time for our busiest week of the year between Christmas and New Year, and is already proving to be a great boost to our ability to respond quickly and safely to emergencies,” she said.
“It is more robust than our previous boat and has greater endurance, which means we can operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions on local lakes and offshore.”
