Shallow draft and deep impact as a new marine rescue boat arrives in Nambucca Heads

NAMBUCCA Heads Marine Rescue has welcomed a powerful new addition to its fleet, significantly boosting the unit’s ability to respond to emergencies across the river and offshore waters of the Nambucca Valley. 

The arrival of the new Gray’s Marine GM 68 marks a major step forward after years of operational limitations caused by ongoing sand build-up in the Nambucca River.

For more than seven years, increasing sedimentation has restricted access for rescue vessels, particularly at low tide, often preventing crews from safely launching or navigating out to sea.

As a result, boaters and fishers operating offshore were at times unable to access Marine Rescue services from the Nambucca Heads unit when conditions made river passage unsafe for the previous craft.

The new GM 68 has been purpose-built to overcome these challenges.

With a much shallower draft, the vessel can safely operate in waters that were previously out of reach, restoring the unit’s capacity to provide a full range of rescue services.

Funded by Marine Rescue NSW, the state-of-the-art vessel represents a significant investment in water safety for the Nambucca district.

Measuring 6.8 metres in length, the GM 68 is fitted with twin 150hp Suzuki vertical-lift outboard motors, specialised stabilisers, and advanced safety features.

Only three GM 68 vessels currently exist, with this craft specifically designed for the demanding conditions of the Nambucca River and nearby coastal waters.

Throughout the recent holiday period, the Nambucca Heads Marine Rescue unit had two jet skis operational on the water, conducting a number of rescues and reinforcing the importance of well-equipped local services during peak boating times.

The new addition has arrived just in time for the Australia Day long weekend, which Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews says is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for the organisation’s 3,500 volunteers.

Unit Commander Gary Nichols said the new vessel was a game-changer for the unit and the wider community.

“The new boat provides the unit with an incredible increase in our ability to deliver Marine Rescue services to the community,” Mr Nichols told News Of The Area.

“The much-welcomed investment by Marine Rescue NSW, combined with an influx of new volunteers, has made our district’s waterways much safer.”

While the vessel has been funded at a state level, Mr Nichols emphasised that ongoing operations rely heavily on local support.

“Although the craft itself has been funded by Marine Rescue NSW, it’s the generosity of community-minded organisations and businesses that keep us operational,” he said.

“Without the Nambucca Heads RSL Club, Mid North Coast Boats, the Golden Sands Tavern, the Valla Beach Tavern, the Nambucca Heads Offshore Fishing Club, and the Nambucca Leagues and Sports Club, we simply wouldn’t be able to cover fuel and other essential running costs.”

With the new vessel now operational, Nambucca Heads Marine Rescue is once again fully equipped to respond across river and ocean environments, delivering a vital safety net for locals and visitors enjoying the region’s waterways.

By Mick BIRTLES