Eden Marine Rescue celebrates 30 year anniversary

Eden Marine Rescue unit commander John McKinnon said the thirty years of service began with a much grander name but in a very humble way, on a back verandah.

“The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol established a presence in Eden in early 1980 with five radios located at various sites, but most notably on the back verandah of Jean Whiter’s house in Cocora St,” Mr McKinnon said on Monday April 18.

“Developments from there saw a grant organised by the then Minister for Correctives Services, John Akister, to help fund the construction of the building which was opened on April 19 1986.

“It has been a vital part of the safety coverage for seafarers for 30 years.”

Mr McKinnon said construction of the building was carried out with mostly donated materials and labour from various local businesses and individuals, with John Helmore, Alan Whiter and Fred House supervising the building of the station and installation of radio equipment.

“Forty five volunteer radio operators were on the initial roster and monitored the radios for 24 hours per day, seven days per week,” Mr McKinnon said.

“Many of these volunteers were related to the professional fishing fleet, often family members of the crews of the trawlers, or were recreational fishers willing to participate in maintaining safety of life at sea in our area.” 

“Currently there are 23 active members.”

In 2009, the various water borne volunteer rescue organisations in NSW were merged to form Marine Rescue NSW, a single state-wide body which provides safety coverage 24 hours per day through the use of up-to-date radio and internet capabilities.

With the installation of a new radio mast in 2012 and state-of-the-art computerised radios in early 2015, the building continues to provide the basis for high level of safety to those venturing out to sea.

“Highly skilled volunteers make the best use of the state of the art technology, and radio coverage had been enhanced to the point where communication can be maintained with vessels down into Bass Strait giving coverage to a notoriously fickle part of the Tasman Sea,” Mr McKinnon said.

Mr McKinnon said the Eden station has been involved in dozens of rescues, including the rescue coordination for the tragic 1998 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race during which six crew members lost their lives, with a further 50 crew members evacuated and rescued and 80 yachts either retired or abandoned.

“Lessons learnt during the 1998 Sydney to Hobart showed the value of having not only the best available equipment but skilled and dedicated volunteers,” Mr McKinnon said.

“To this end, a large sum of money has been invested on the Eden base, with significant contributions from the SOLAS fund administered by the Cruising Yacht Club.

“The Eden community, particularly the professional fishing fleet, has supported the station financially on a regular basis and enabled operational costs to be covered and equipment maintained to a high standard.”

Mr McKinnon said that during busy times of the year it is not unusual for the base to handle around 2000 routine radio calls per month, and to provide safety coverage to large numbers of vessels, both local fishing boats or yachts in transit.

During the Sydney to Hobart yacht race the base hosts representatives from the Cruising Yacht Club who monitor radio schedules kept by the yachts, while Eden Marine Rescue provides the safety coverage. 

Eden Marine Rescue works closely with NSW Police Marine Area Command and the local Water Police, and also with Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Victoria and TasMaritime in Tasmania in fulfilling its safety role.

Mr McKinnon said new volunteers are always welcome and anyone wanting to find out more can pay a visit to the base or call: 6496 2167.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the base, all members and former members are invited to gather at Eden Marine Rescue station on Bramble Street at 2pm on Sunday May 1.