Woolgoolga Marine Rescue’s new $862k jet rescue boat Tamieka Lee hits water on Coffs Coast
A new hi-tech custom $862,930 jet boat, named in tribute to two much-loved locals, will be a sight for sore eyes for those in peril on the Coffs Coast. Here’s the latest.
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A new hi-tech custom jet boat which cost a cool $862,930 will be a sight for sore eyes for those in peril after the vessel hit the water at Woolgoolga on the Coffs Coast.
The 9.5 metre long Naiad Hamilton vessel was delivered to Woolgoolga Marine Rescue on Tuesday and was commissioned this week.
Woolgoolga 30 was dubbed the “Tamieka Lee” to commemorate two people.
Deputy unit commander Shirley Teague’s daughter Tamieka lost her life to ovarian cancer in 2016.
Lee – the son of long-time unit supporters and Ms Teague’s close family friends Ursula and Trevor Kirby – sadly died soon after.
Marine Rescue Woolgoolga unit commander Brian Taylor said: “We are proud that this new vessel bears Tamieka and Lee’s names and that their memories can live on while it carries out its vital lifesaving work on the region’s waters.”
The state forked out for the much-needed new boat powered by a 428kW (575 horsepower) Cummins engine.
Featuring a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment and FLIR (forward looking infra-red camera) equipment, the boat is geared up to save lives from the get-go.
Mr Taylor said the jet boat was a significant upgrade when compared to the old boat.
The “superior vessel” boasts improved handling, manoeuvrability and comfort to allow longer crew operating times – more time on the water helping those in need.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the vessel was launched and retrieved from the beach.
“Woolgoolga 30 can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles (55km) out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore,” he said.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin was joined by Mr Barrell for the Woolgoolga commissioning.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count,” Ms Saffin said.
Ms Saffin also encouraged all boaters to “log on and log off” with Marine Rescue NSW through the free Marine Rescue app, or via VHF channel 16, when heading out.
She reminded boaters informing authorities “ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned”.
Mr Barrell praised the Woolgoolga unit and said the region was fortunate to have 45 volunteers dedicated to saving lives on the water.
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