A new rescue vessel has been delivered to a dedicated Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) group, helping volunteers respond to incidents across the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula.
The new VH50 – officially Commissioned into service at a ceremony at Goolwa over the weekend – has been added to the Victor Harbor-Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron, one of six Volunteer Marine Rescue groups in South Australia.
It replaces the old rescue boat, which is nearly two decades old.
The new vessel will be housed at the Squadron’s satellite facility at Goolwa, from where it will respond to marine incidents in the ocean and along the Lower Murray, Lakes and Coorong.
Constructed by local boat builder Nautic Star Marine in Lonsdale, the 7.8-metre vessel is purpose-built and fitted with the latest equipment and safety features.
The Government has invested $545,000 from the Community Emergency Services Fund towards the supply of the boat in addition to a new tow vehicle, with the Squadron also contributing funds from the sale of the former vessel and fundraising.
VMR groups, in partnership with the marine units of the SA State Emergency Service, provide the primary response to emergencies throughout the state’s coastal and inland waterways, under the coordination of SA Police.
VMR volunteers respond to about 500 incidents each year, including search and rescue missions – often at night, in remote locations and braving rough seas.
The Victor Harbor-Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron, established in the 1970s, has more than 60 volunteers and is one of the most active VMR groups in the state.
Victor Harbor-Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron Commodore, Michael Rosser said new vessel is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and safety features that provide the best opportunity for a successful outcome.
“While the vessel it replaces has served us well, the arrival of the new VH50 takes the Squadron’s capability to a whole new level, and we’re extremely pleased that the State Government has enabled it through funding under the VMR Vessel Replacement Program,” Michael Rosser said.
