A new $355,000 Marine Rescue NSW vessel, commissioned at the weekend, is set to provide a significant boost for the Tuggerah lakes boating community.
Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell to officially commission Tuggerah Lakes 21 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
The new vessel, funded by the NSW Government and community donations, was also named the “Tony Younglove”.
Harris said the new vessel was a vital addition to support the lifesaving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count,” he said.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the region and the active users of our local waterways.”
Harris said it was an honour to commission the Tony Younglove in recognition of Younglove’s commitment and contribution to the Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes unit.
“Tony is an extremely dedicated volunteer and was awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal in 2022,” Harris said.
“He has given so much to the community and it is wonderful that this new vessel will bear his name while it carries out its vital lifesaving work on the region’s waterways.
“On behalf of the people of Tuggerah lakes, and visitors to our local waterways, I thank Tony and all the dedicated, hardworking Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.”
Harris also encouraged all boaters to log on and log off with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.
“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” Harris said.
Barrell said the new rescue vessel was a much-welcomed asset for the community.
“Boaters and paddlers at Tuggerah lakes can rest easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble,” he said.
“Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessel and are ready to respond to people in need.”
Powered by twin 115 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and with a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment and FLIR (forward looking infrared camera), the vessel is a 6.3m walk-through centre console Naiad.
Barrell said the replacement rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“As well as assisting boaters and paddlers on Tuggerah Lake, Budgewoi Lake, Lake Munmorah and surrounding waterways, this vessel can also quickly deploy up to seven nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore,” he said.
“The Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes unit had its busiest year ever in 2023, completing a unit record 65 search and rescue missions, 14 of which were emergencies.”
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton thanked the local community for its generous support of the unit’s fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
He said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former Cobia rescue boat.
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water,” he said.
“The lakes are quite shallow and when the wind blows up these waterways become treacherous.
“This vessel has many important features including improved handling, manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort allowing our crews to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and conditions.
“Our crews cover an area of 80sq kms, assisting boaters, paddlers and users of our local waterways, and this vessel is a welcome addition to our fleet.
“Naming this vessel the Tony Younglove is a fitting tribute to much respected unit life member Tony Younglove.
“Tony was Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander for six years from 2015.
“He is currently our training officer and is doing a wonderful job developing the unit’s next generation of volunteer crew.”
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.