THE Marine Rescue NSW unit at Bermagui is about to receive a new, large rescue vessel to replace aging converted police launch the James T. Lees.
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The 11-metre Steber 38 is the same vessel now operated by Marine Rescue Batemans Bay and three other units around NSW.
Marine Rescue regional controller Bob Hebert said Bermagui’s Steber 38 would be the fifth for the state and another 38 being built alongside it at the Taree factory was going to Ulladulla.
Mr Herbert said Bermagui’s new boat would work closely with Marine Rescue Narooma’s new fast response 8.5-metre rigid-hulled inflatable boat.
One scenario could be that Narooma’s fast boat could arrive first on scene at Montague securing the vessel occupants and if needed the Bermagui Steber 38 could tow the fishing boat back to Narooma or Bermagui.
The Steber boasted the latest electronic equipment including forward looking infra-red cameras and radar, and it should arrive by Christmas.
Mr Herbert said the recently introduced boating registration levy was helping to modernise the fleet and paid the $650,000 bill for Bermagui’s new boat.
And the good news was that the Bermagui unit had an influx of new volunteers since it moved to its new location at the Bermagui Fisherman’s Wharf and the new vessel would also help recruitment, he said.
