Marine Rescue NSW volunteers complete 268 missions in second busiest June on record

by Marine Rescue NSW 7 Jul 15:31 PDT

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie assist a sailor off the Hastings River bar © Marine Rescue NSW

Improved weather conditions across New South Wales in June saw large numbers of boaters take to the state's waterways, with Marine Rescue NSW radio operators keeping watch over 22,100 people on board vessels that had Logged On with the Service.

"Safety is paramount on the water. By Logging On, the skippers of those vessels ensured that our dedicated volunteers were monitoring their safe return," said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.

"Logging On is quick and easy, and can be done via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or over VHF channel 16. If a Logged On vessel doesn't return as planned, Marine Rescue NSW will initiate a search."

Port Stephens 31 rescues a stranded boater near Fingal Island on June 21 - photo © Marine Rescue NSW

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers experienced their second busiest June on record, completing 268 search and rescue missions — a 16% decrease from the record 316 missions undertaken in June 2023.

Of last month's 268 missions, 112 were emergency responses, with volunteers safely returning 487 people to shore.

"Our crews responded day and night, often in very challenging conditions. Several successful rescues were conducted after dark last month, which is something our volunteers train for. Crews from Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba, Ballina, Woolgoolga and Jervis Bay all concluded June with operations of this nature," Commissioner Barrell said.

"Whales also pose a navigational challenge for our crews and boaters at this time of year.

"Marine Rescue NSW reminds all boaters to exercise extra caution during whale migration season. When whales are present, boaters must stay at least 100 metres away — or 300 metres in the case of a whale with a calf. If a whale surfaces near your vessel, it is important to cut your motors and reduce to a safe speed," he said.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteer radio operators on duty at Marine Rescue Batemans Bay - photo © Marine Rescue NSW

Marine Rescue NSW radio operators handled 19,521 calls in June, including five MAYDAYs and five Pan Pans.

Commissioner Barrell is also reminding boaters to prepare thoroughly before hitting the water these school holidays.

"It is really import for those boating in unfamiliar locations to plan their trip, check and monitor the weather, have ample fuel on board with plenty in reserve, carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket and Log On with Marine Rescue NSW.

"If you are planning to cross a coastal bar, please do so with caution and seek advice from your local Marine Rescue NSW unit.

"When crossing a bar, boaters should standoff, check the conditions and then decide whether it is safe to proceed.

"The decision and responsibility to proceed always remains with the skipper of the vessel intending to cross the coastal bar," Commissioner Barrell said.

Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage volunteers rescued a stranded crab fisherman from Boandabah Island after his vessel sank in early June - photo © Marine Rescue NSW

Crews and vessels from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay completed multiple assists on the evening of Sunday 29 June - photo © Marine Rescue NSW

Breakdown of June 2025 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:

Northern Rivers - 25 search & rescue missions including 15 emergency responses with 42 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units - Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.

Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 9, Ballina 7, Iluka Yamba 4

Mid North Coast - 24 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 46 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units - Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.

Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Forster Tuncurry 9, Coffs Harbour 6, Port Macquarie 5

Hunter Central Coast - 85 search & rescue missions including 27 emergency responses with 177 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter Central Coast units - Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water & Terrigal.

Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 38, Port Stephens 15, Brisbane Water 13

Greater Sydney - 88 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 147 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units - Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney - State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.

Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 26, Botany Port Hacking 23, Middle Harbour 11

Illawarra - 30 search & rescue missions including 22 emergency responses with 54 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units - Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.

Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 10, Shoalhaven 8, Jervis Bay 6

Monaro - 16 search & rescue missions including 13 emergency response with 21 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units - Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.

Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Batemans Bay 5, Narooma 5, Bermagui 2, Eden 2

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.