Among the many requests for assistance undertaken, one extraordinary call out emergency was a midnight rescue of a yacht at the entrance to Newcastle Harbour which had suffered engine failure in the pitch-black darkness and was in danger of being dashed onto the rocks.

In another, an ailing crew member on an offshore cargo ship required medical evacuation. Two NSW Ambulance paramedics were taken out to the cargo vessel in the Marine Rescue Newcastle vessel, and after receiving medical attention the sick crew member was then transferred in rough sea conditions back to shore and a waiting ambulance.

These recounts tell of the important life-saving role Marine Rescue Newcastle has in our local harbour and waterways.

Our most recent partnership with the Newcastle Volunteer Marine Rescue Unit assisted the technological and equipment fit out of the purpose-built Unit base at Stockton in 2023, providing top of the line assets to improve systems in response to emergencies both locally in Newcastle and support for surrounding areas.

Our partnership first began in 2020, with the request to purchase an essential air berth (or dry berth) to protect and maintain their primary rescue vessel.

The air berth lifts and secures the Unit’s half a million-dollar rescue vessel, Newcastle 30, out of the water when it’s not in use for emergencies, routine patrols or training exercises, protecting it from deterioration and marine life (like barnacles).

Marine Rescue Newcastle Unit Commander Ron Calman thanked Port Waratah for its generous support for its volunteers and mission to save lives on the water.

“This new infrastructure means our boat spends far less time out of the water for cleaning, maintenance and repairs to damage to the hull caused by salt and marine growth.” 

“That’s good news for Newcastle boaters because it means we’re always ready to head out at a moment’s notice whenever we receive a call for help.”

Not only does the air berth ensure the rescue vessel is in mission-ready condition to respond to a call for help on the water. It also protects the health of our waterways, as the boat’s hull no longer needs to be coated with poisonous anti-fouling chemicals, which can leech into the water and damage the marine ecosystem.