New marine rescue boat to be based at Moruya

Harley Moss onboard marine rescue boat Tuross 21. Photo: Alex Rea.

A new rescue boat has been launched in Moruya to join the Marine Rescue Tuross fleet and boost safety for marine users. NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said crews from Marine Rescue Tuross would be able to be on the scene of an emergency more rapidly following the delivery of its new $400,000 rescue vessel.

Mr Elliott said the 7.5m Ocean Cylinder vessel, Tuross 21, has arrived at its new home waters on Moruya River.

“Tuross 21 is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year state government investment to support the vital, lifesaving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.

“This brand new rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the large boating community in this area of the Far South Coast, especially those crossing the hazardous Moruya bar.

Marine Rescue NSW regional operations officer Glen Sullivan with the new rescue vessel, Tuross 21. Photo: Alex Rea.

“It is moored at Preddys Wharf on the Moruya River, specifically to ensure rescue crews can be on the scene of emergencies on the bar as quickly as possible. As well as operating on the river, the boat can also be deployed up to 15 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”

Marine Rescue NSW commissioner Stacey Tannos said Tuross 21, purpose-designed-and-built to meet local operating conditions, will boost the safety of local and visiting boaters and the rescue unit’s volunteers.

Built by Yamba Welding & Engineering on the NSW North Coast and powered by Suzuki outboards, the boat boasts a full suite of search and rescue technology and equipment, and offers crews greater manoeuvrability and reliability.

Marine Rescue Tuross unit commander Alan Blessington said the vessel is a significant upgrade on the unit’s current boat.

“The updated technology and equipment onboard will improve our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives here on the coastline,” he said. “It features a full suite of search and rescue equipment, including radar, a thermal imaging camera and a full first-aid fit-out, including a defibrillator and oxygen kit.

“Its enhanced endurance means our volunteers will be able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.

Harley Moss (above), Paul Carter (left) and Alan Blessington (right) from Marine Rescue Tuross at Moruya boat ramp. Photo: Alex Rea.

“After a tough year for the Eurobodalla community, this new Marine Rescue vessel is the perfect start to 2021 for the region’s many local and visiting boaters.”

In addition to the new vessel for Marine Rescue Tuross, in January 2021, NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, Member for Bega Andrew Constance, and Marine Rescue NSW deputy commissioner Alex Barrell announced a $200,000 expansion of the Marine Rescue Batemans Bay base.