MARITIME safety across the Nambucca Valley has received a significant boost with the official commissioning of a new $428,514 rescue vessel for Marine Rescue Nambucca – the William Whaites.
The purpose-built Nambucca 20 was officially welcomed into the Marine Rescue NSW fleet by Commissioner Todd Andrews during a ceremony on the banks of the Nambucca River at Macksville last week.
Operational since earlier this year, the vessel has already demonstrated its value in rescues in the district’s waters, providing local rescue volunteers with greater capability to respond to emergencies in the river, on its challenging bar, and coastal waters.
The investment is particularly timely as the region approaches the busy summer boating season, when increased activity on local waterways places greater demands on emergency services.
Commissioner Andrews said the new vessel would strengthen the unit’s ability to respond to emergencies in varying conditions.
“This new vessel ensures our volunteers can respond safely, swiftly and effectively in all conditions,” he said.
Built by Gray’s Marine in Yamba, the 6.8-metre Nambucca 20 has been specifically designed to meet the challenges of the region’s diverse waterways.
Powered by twin 150hp Suzuki outboard engines, the boat can reach speeds of 38 knots, enabling volunteers to reach people requiring assistance quickly.
Its advanced technology includes Raymarine navigation electronics, side-scan sonar and a handheld forward-looking infrared camera, enhancing search and rescue operations during both daylight and darkness.
Importantly for the Nambucca Valley, the vessel can operate in water as shallow as 30 centimetres, allowing crews to access areas previously difficult to reach, particularly during low tides.
This capability extends the unit’s operational reach upstream beyond Macksville, while the vessel’s design also provides the power, manoeuvrability and stability required to navigate strong tidal currents and rough coastal conditions.
The new vessel is a considerable improvement on the unit’s previous rescue boat, according to Marine Rescue Nambucca Unit Commander Col Cracknell.
“This boat can do it all in a variety of conditions” he said.
“It’s extremely manoeuvrable, which is vital when we’re operating in strong tidal movements.
“It also has an excellent range on enclosed waters, with our crews able to respond to incidents upstream past the Macksville Showground.”
Mr Cracknell said the vessel was already making a positive difference.
“This state-of-the-art vessel has already conducted operations on local waters, including rescues,” he told News Of The Area.
“Our unit is in great shape at the moment with everything falling into place.
“We have new storage facilities for our important equipment, and the commissioning of this vessel is yet another event that has had a positive effect on the morale of our volunteers.”
Beyond its modern rescue capabilities, the craft carries a special connection to the region’s maritime heritage.
The vessel has been named in honour of Captain William Whaites, a pioneering river pilot whose courage and commitment to protecting lives on the Nambucca River helped shape the developing community during the 19th century.
Born in England in 1844, Captain Whaites was appointed Pilot of the Nambucca in 1874, responsible for guiding vessels across the dangerous Nambucca Heads bar.
His service extended beyond navigation. Captain Whaites undertook rescues following shipwrecks, assisting the sick and injured, and contributed to the growth of the settlement.
His bravery was recognised by the Royal Humane Society following a rescue involving a vessel that ran aground on the bar, an incident that tragically claimed three lives.
Commissioner Andrews said naming the vessel after Captain Whaites was a fitting acknowledgement of his legacy.
“Captain Whaites helped protect lives on these waters more than 150 years ago, and it is fitting that his name will continue to be associated with the safety of boaters and swimmers in the region,” he added.
Commander Cracknell said Captain Whaites embodied the same commitment to community safety demonstrated by today’s volunteers.
“We chose William Whaites because his duty on the river aligned perfectly with our mission of saving lives on the water and supporting boaters,”
Captain Whaites’ great-granddaughter, Cheryl Dal Pozzo, said the recognition was particularly meaningful to the family.
“It is very humbling for Marine Rescue Nambucca to name the vessel after him,” she said.
“William is very deserving of the honour. This honour remembers the work he did.
“He wouldn’t be able to do the things that he did back then, and now he’d be able to do it with a big motor on the boat and a lot more safety.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib acknowledged the vital contribution of Marine Rescue volunteers and the importance of providing them with modern equipment.
“The volunteers at Marine Rescue Nambucca do incredible work assisting boaters and people enjoying our waterways, and the NSW Government is proud to have played a role in contributing towards this vitally important rescue vessel,” he said.
“I thank every Marine Rescue volunteer at Nambucca for their ongoing commitment to protecting lives on the water and serving their community.”
With summer approaching, the minister reminded boaters that preparation is essential, regardless of the rescue resources available.
Commissioner Andrews also praised the commitment of Marine Rescue Nambucca volunteers to boating and water safety.
“We are grateful for the continued dedication of its volunteers who respond to people in need at any time of day or night,” he added.
“Communities like Nambucca and the surrounding areas flourish because of their spirit, and it is the spirit of the skilled and dedicated volunteers who support the region that makes these areas amazing places to live and visit.”
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisation, with 3400 trained volunteers providing search and rescue services, marine radio monitoring and boating safety education across the state.
For the Nambucca Valley, the arrival of Nambucca 20 represents more than a new rescue boat. It’s an investment in the safety of everyone who enjoys the region’s waterways, while honouring a maritime pioneer whose commitment to saving lives continues through the work of today’s dedicated volunteers.
By Mick BIRTLES
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