Activation 1/1/2023: Happy New Year. 2023 has started….with VMR Whitsunday assisting a charter boat at Happy Bay.
Being New Year Day, I was kicking back on the couch enjoying a documentary when Dick from the radio room called to advise of an activation. A charter boat had an issue at Happy Bay and I had to take a company representative over to access the situation and assist as required.
I told Dick to organise a crew and then headed off to Coral Sea Marina to start the prestart checks, with the crew of Bill, Mike, Laura and the company rep joining me soon after. Coral Sea Marina VMR1 departed CSM at 1605 with Laura on the helm for the whole activation, to gain experience as she is doing a Coxswain’s course.
When we arrived at Happy Bay the company rep went on board to assess the situation. It was decided that he would drive the vessel back to CSM and we would escort the vessel back.
Coming across Pioneer Bay we contacted the vessel to confirm that they were confident of getting the vessel into CSM, then we departed the scene to bring VMR1 back to it’s berth.
We secured VMR1 and washed it down before finishing at 1900, my thanks to crew.
Crew: Bill H, Laura O, and Mike D.
Skipper: Ray L.
Activation 02/01/2023: PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN – Medivac from Manta Ray Bay.
PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN, enough to draw laser like focus upon what is being said and demand immediate reaction to a very serious situation.
Julie phoned from the radio room, informing me of an emergency call from a vessel in need of medical assistance; the skipper of the vessel calling had fallen overboard and was in severe pain. The vessel was unable to phone 000, so I asked Julie to call 000 on their behalf as I called the crew.
We quickly assembled at Coral Sea Marina VMR1, two paramedics were in attendance and awaited the arrival of a representative of the charter company responsible for the vessel. Once he was aboard we quickly departed from Coral Sea marina and set course for Manta Ray Bay.
Conditions were reasonable, bright sunlight, excellent visibility with a southeasterly breeze freshening, seas moderate. We were focussed upon reaching the target vessel post haste; I did feel sympathy for one of the paramedics who suffers from seasickness. The crew were working as a well trained team making for a safe journey. As we rounded Alcyonaria Point our focus was drawn to identifying our target, shortly we had a number of rafts and 3 large catamarans in sight, the charter company representative pointed out the vessel in question. We quickly rafted up, transferred our paramedics to the patient and waited. We were busy discussing how we would transfer the patient from the catamaran to VMR1, a plan was made and preparations for the transfer completed.
The patient accompanied by the two paramedics emerged from the cabin; a torturous journey was made to the starboard side of the vessel. We had previously removed two stainless steel life lines to facilitate the stepping from one vessel to the other, a slow and painful process. Once all were aboard, we departed and braced for a slow and demanding trip homeward. My job was to pick the best speed and manoeuvre to avoid causing undue pain upon the patient; quartering the swells and changing aspect to reduce roll kept me constantly busy, how I longed for the protection offered by Pioneer Bay.
Our efforts were rewarded, the patient unloaded and safely upon a stretcher on his way to the hospital. We set about post activation duties, refuelling, washing down, shutting down instrumentation and, of course, paperwork.
My thanks to the crew, all contributed to the success of the day:
Crew: Bill H – senior crew, Mike D – communications; Donna D – deck hand; and Julie S – Base radio operator.
Skipper: Paul M
Activation: 2/1/2023: Assist a member and his family who had broken down in Woodwark Bay.
It was late in the afternoon when David from the radio room called to advise that a member and his family had broken down in Woodwark Bay. I advised David to organise a crew while I headed to the Marina. One of the crew advised me that Shane our newest skipper had not been out on an activation for the past 11 days, so I called him to act as skipper for the job.
With Shane on the helm plus Ron, Dick and Barry Coral Sea Marina VMR1 deaprted at 1655 into a moderate sea. As we came around Grimstone point we could see the target anchored near the beach. Shane got VMR1 as close as was safe to do so. The crew then launched the tender to bring the stricken vessel out to us, where we unloaded the personnel from it, then hooked up the tow rope for a trip back into Coral Sea Marina .
As we approached the marina we rafted the vessel up beside us and returned the passengers to it, before taking them into the boat ramp. All finished by 1900. Thanks to my crew.
Crew: Shane N, Ron M, Dick F and Barry L.
Skipper: Ray L.
Activation 1 and 2 on 03/01/23: Whale Song VMR2 to the rescue.
Jet-ski’s go fishing, most of them with no worries, but such was not the case for one unfortunate fellow who, with great foresight, was a member of VMR Whitsundays.
The phone call came to me at 12.54 from Michael, our 24hour emergency phone holder that a jet-ski had broken down and drifted ashore on a falling tide near the motel units at Northerlies.
That sounds like a job for ‘Super 2’, otherwise known as Whale Song VMR2, our Naiad 7 metre Rhib with beaching capabilities. So with a crew on its way I headed for Coral Sea Marina and joined Dick and Barry to prepare the boat and we headed out for the 15 minute travel to the stricken craft.
The owner had done a great job of wading out with the jet-ski and keeping it afloat with the dropping tide, so a quick throw with the heaving line and we pulled him out from the shallows and the small onshore choppy waves. All was well as we then did the necessary paperwork and prepared for the tow back to the Whisper Bay boat ramp and his vehicle and trailer.
Then came the crunch question, ‘do you have the shut-off valve fitted in your water intake/exhaust pipework?’ ‘No idea’ was the reply.
Okay, so now our maximum towing speed is limited to 5 knots so as to avoid accidently filling your engine with salt water.
The owner was amazed at this information and as we commenced our tow he proceeded to call up the owners handbook for his machine on his phone. Not a word in there if his machine needed towing, only mention was when he was towing someone else. He needed to do some further information gathering once on-shore.
The tow went well, but slowly, and eventually we had him nudged gently on to the boat ramp then proceeded to return to our floating dock for the paperwork, but such was not to be for our little band of volunteers.
We had another broken-down vessel to find and assist this day. A quick check with my crew that they would stay on board, and at 14.20 we headed out for our next activation.
On our way back to our berth after an activation and we received the call, another one to rescue if you can spare the time. A member broken down just off Pioneer Point on a perfect day with flat seas and little breeze. There were boats every-where!
So off we headed to the point, no sign but the drift rate would be pretty high and we did have a GPS reference so we headed there, no sign. Follow the drift and there they are. A gentle raft up for paperwork and attach our tow-line and off we went to take the member and his fishing buddies back to Coral Sea Marina boat ramp. An easy hand off to the floating pontoon, then we were into refuelling, washdown and paperwork with Whale Song VMR2 perched back on her floating pontoon.
A quick little activation taking us just over 1.5 hours.
Thanks to the Crew: Barry L. and Dick F. for another donation of their time.
Until next activation, Your Skipper, Ron R.
Activation 5/1/2023: Sunrise trip to Hamilton Island for a medivac.
Snap to attention at 0415, yes that’s AM. “It’s Michael here, would you like a medivac to Hamilton? The Ambos will be at the boat at 0430”. OK, I better get mobile – no time for a coffee!
A similarly bleary eyed crew arrived at the same time and we had Coral Sea Marina VMR1 ready by the time the QAS paramedic arrived. It was a blissful departure into a sunrise at 5am so no need to dim the instrument panel. A little bit lumpy around Pioneer Point, but then no trouble finding very smooth water for a speedy crossing at 24 knots.
Arrival was sweet at that time of day- NOT. Fishing boats all heading out at once on a .5 metre tide, so depth was a bit of an issue. “No I can’t get out of your way, you’re a little tinnie, I need the deeper water, plus I have a flashing light, so you’ll have to wait”. Oh bugger, another one flashed in front and stole our designated birth. No worries, we’ll just go somewhere else, I’m sure the island ambo and patient waiting on the dock won’t mind. A reverse park on the other side of the pontoon and all was sweet.
Bill helmed our way home and did an excellent job of missing those pesky tinnies pouring out of Airlie and negotiating the fuel dock and pen. All was squared away and finished by 0720. Bill had promised us all croissants from the new patisserie, but alas it wasn’t open! ay!
Thanks to Michael (24/7 phone holder), woken by the emergency phone at 4 am and Bill as senior crew and Terry and Phil as very professional crew.
Crew: Bill H, Terry C, Phil H.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 1 on 9/1/2023: All at once the holidays are over…for VMR Whitsunday volunteers anyway. Our “Mad Monday” started with assisting a member whose 23’ half cabin lost drive off Caves Beach. 6pob.
Michael (one of our 24 hour emergency phone holders) rang at 10.10 with a straightforward tow from Hook Island. No mad panic, conditions were perfect, and they had their anchor down. There was a slight delay as we sorted out if we had our full complement on board yet, and we got away at 10.50 with Shane driving.
As promised the conditions were perfect. Shane had us rafted up alongside the target at 11.40. We sorted the paperwork out and headed for Muddy Bay. After shortening the tow for the channel then tying them alongside for the final approach, Shane dropped them off at the end of the ramp finger. So easy.
Back to CSM refuel at 13.15 and all done and dusted in the pen for 13.45.
Thanks to Shane and the crew for a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours on the water.
Crew: Shane N, Dick F, Phil H.
Skipper: Geoff S.
Activation 2 on 9/1/2023: The evening is just getting started, with a Medivac from Hamilton Island.
a broken down 23 footer in near perfect conditions, I was happily shopping for a microwave when off went the emergency ring tone on my phone. Michael, our recently appointed emergency phone holder asking if I was available for an afternoon medivac to Hamilton Island? Well it was a perfect day on the water in paradise, so you bet!
By 5pm Coral Sea Marina VMR1, with our crew of 3, plus 2 paramedics was skimming over a very light chop on the way to another Whitsunday Paradise, Hamilton Island.
Navigating around a pod of dolphins, there was plenty of other marine traffic out enjoying the great conditions. With a hassle free entry to Hamilton Island marina we were able to squeeze into our usual birth on G arm with just a metre fore and aft to spare. Presently, the paramedic was there with his stretcher bound patient.
After a few formalities we inched our way out of the tight birth and were away down the calm waters of Fitzalan Passage. Hoping to get home to Coral Sea Marina before night fall, we experienced the vagaries of the channel lights with some coming on only after dusk, so requiring us to take their location from our radar.
After a very efficient blow off tie up on L arm thanks to our fast and furious crew Dick and Terry, we discharged our patient, refuelled, returned to pen and started the usual shut down and clean up. It was nearly done when another two crews turned up.
Both VMR 1 & VMR2 were activated. A busy day!
Thanks to our magnificent duo, Dick and Terry and of course our dedicated paramedics.
Crew: Terry C. and Dick F.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 3 on 09/01/2023: It’s still Monday….two down, two to go. No fuel, no go!
An early dinner was no surprise, Monday night is my duty night; Coral Sea VMR1 was out completing a medical evacuation from Hamilton Island, all should be quiet from now on, NAH! Michael rang on the emergency phone, “there is a medical evacuation required from a vessel in Hook Passage, no need for a rush, departure is planned for 2000hrs”. I responded in the affirmative, noting the timing was rather civilised! Michael called in a crew for me and I departed for Coral Sea marina to meet the scheduled timing.
As the crew gathered, Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was being cleaned and washed post activation, I told the previously returned crew to stop their efforts as we were about to depart for another activation, with that, Captain Ray appeared. A more urgent call has been received, a vessel with 3 persons aboard had run out of fuel in the vicinity of Pioneer Rocks, now a total change in plans.
Whale Song VMR2 will now attend to the empty fuel tank and the persons on board, while Captain Ray handles the medical evacuation. Donna and Phil were the crew, we set off to ready Whale Song VMR2.
Dark, cloudy night, the full moon blanketed by cloud, tide rising, northeasterly breeze freshening, we had a latitude and longitude of the stranded vessel, simple, go get them, tow them and be done. Not so fast, the transit to the designated position was pleasant and comfortably dry however, no vessel could be found.
We searched for a short while, a radio call from Captain Ray informed us of a vessel signalling. We quickly backtracked and found the vessel. They had been very fortunate as a passing vessel had provided them with some sorely needed fuel. They decided to depart the location they had given and proceeded under their own power to an anchorage directly behind Pioneer Point. We escorted the vessel into the public ramp at Port of Airlie, did some paperwork and returned to Coral Sea marina.
Thanks to Donna and Phil for their work and dedication.
Crew: Donna D, Phil H.
Skipper: Paul M.
EDITORS NOTE: Remember, if you get back to the ramp with less than a quarter of a tank of fuel, you have got it wrong. It inly takes a small change in the weather to dramatically change your fuel consumption – play safe, for your own sake and the sake of your friends and family that may be with you. Much safer to have that reserve, than to run out!
Activation 4 on 09/01/2203: All hands on deck…now for a medivac from a vessel at Hook Passage, then Monday was done.
I received a call from Michael on the 24/7 phone advising me of an activation. Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was just finishing a job and a crew had been organised for a medivac so I headed off to the marina while Michael started dragging in crew.
This was going to be the fourth activation for the day and crew were scarce so when I arrived at VMR1 Captain Paul and Donna were there, as well as the exiting crew and it was decided that Paul would take Whale Song VMR2 to pick up a stricken vessel at Pioneer Point and I would take VMR1 to the Medivac site at Hook Passage.
With my crew of Ron and Laura and a QAS officer on board we departed Coral Sea Marina at 2022 with Laura on the helm. We headed off to our target but as we went past Pioneer Rocks a vessel flashed us with his spotlight. I could see VMR2 on AIS further out in the passage so I called them and advised them of the flashing light.
With ideal conditions we made it to our target in good time. Our target was a boat, with a person on board suffering abdominal pains. After transferring him to our vessel and the QAS officer examining him, we headed back to CSM to unload them at 2225. We refuelled then returned to our berth to secure and wash down VMR1.
Finished at 2310, thanks to my crew of Laura and Ron.
Crew: Ron M. and Laura O.
Skipper: Ray L.
Activation 12/1/2023: “It was a dark and stormy night” for a Medivac from Hayman Island.
Michael, our emergency phone holder, called as I finished a concreting job, “can you do a medivac to Hayman, the chopper can’t go due to the weather”. The weather report from Hamilton Is wasn’t too bad: 10-15 knots E, 50% chance of rain, so let’s go.
As we finished preparing Coral Sea Marina VMR1 our two intrepid paramedics arrived, asking if it was going to be rough. A quick look out to sea made it clear the conditions were deteriorating, but not wishing to cause alarm I simply said “maybe a bit”.
By the time we were halfway, the islands had completely disappeared behind a dark wall and Barry, our navigator offered, “ooh I think we are about to get very wet!” We closed the front screen as rain poured down and visibility closed in. The islands were close but hidden, so it was going to be an instrument only approach. Paradoxically the heavy rain had flattened the sea.
Slowing down to 12 knots and keeping a safe distance from Langford Is, we hoped the rain would pass before we tried to enter Hayman Marina. A quick check with BOM reported gusts to 32 knots on Hamilton. There is no visibility of lead lights or channel beacons, so lets circle in Stonehaven anchorage until it clears a bit. Time to open the front screen and get very wet! Completing one loop of Stonehaven Barry caught sight of the blue lead lights. I wished my specs had wipers. Then the channel markers blinked into view, so with the wind behind us, Dick radioed our securite and we pushed down the channel.
Dick and Barry have grown used to high pressure tie up with strong blow on birthing and they handled the gusty conditions perfectly. We’ve arrived safely, if soaked through! Our paramedics seemed relieved to be able to get off and tend to their patient. A gusty departure was brisk as the cross wind tried to push us toward the entrance rocks. Once out and clear, with the wind at our backs and a following sea we had a welcome, if wet, stress free trip home.
Thanks to our very competent Crew: Barry L and Dick F. Also our paramedics, who seem to have gained their sea legs!
Shane N; very wet Skipper.
Activation 17/01/2023: Medivac from Nara Inlet for a 10 year old with a fish hook deeply embedded in his hand.
Squally, raining and generally unpleasant conditions meant this medivac to Nara Inlet was going to be a challenge. Fortunately our inexperienced crew, (me included), was assisted by Ken, our squadron’s “Senior Skipper”.
Then decision time: our QAS paramedics were called to another job, which would usually mean the activation’s cancellation. Pity about the 10 yr old with a fish hook deeply embedded in his hand. As it was unlikely his condition would be too difficult for us senior first aiders to handle, we decided to go anyway.
Though far from ideal, the conditions on the way over were not as bad as anticipated.
Thankfully the lateral channel markers were clearly visible, so our entry to Nara Inlet was not difficult. As our radio calls were not getting through, we were grateful for some guidance from other vessels as to which was the one needing help.
As we negotiated the squally conditions to raft up, mum and dad, on their 50 foot chartered cat, were very pleased to see us. Our casualty, who was “by-catch” for the day was not so keen to get on board.
Our trip home was with the wind at our backs and a rolling following sea, so in spite of the occasional wild gust was not too uncomfortable. Our attempts at first aid were appreciated by mum, not so much “fishing boy”, who no doubt will use squid to bait his hooks from now on, not himself.
Thanks to our Crew: Phil H, Avi F, Laura O and especially Ken B.
Shane N, budding Skipper.
Activation 20/01/2023: Vessel assist to Pioneer Rocks.
Where are we going today? A forty foot catamaran has broken down near Pioneer Rocks and needs a tow to its mooring in Whisper Bay. With three skippers on board Coral Sea Marinna VMR1 and a very competent crew member, plus excellent sea conditions, it was going to be a pleasurable way to spend the afternoon. I can’t believe we get paid for this! – oh that’s right we don’t.
Finding the boat was easy and while the skippers debated whether it was too rough to raft up or not, our crew member got on with readying the tow line. Caution prevailed and we prepared to throw the monkey’s fist.
Then a surprise.
The cat was anchored fast, so there would be a delay while the owner struggled with a failing battery to retrieve it. Standing off holding VMR1 in place seemed to take a long time, but eventually the heaving line shot over the cat’s bow to let the owner quickly pull over our tow line. Good throw Ray/Donna!
After a little difficulty getting it attached and with its anchor left dangling in the water we were only able to do 6.5 knots toward the calm waters of Whisper Bay moorings. After some difficulty with radio comms it was revealed he was not on a mooring, but to be anchored. With a short delay to get this organised, we finally retrieved our tow line and picked up the owner for a short trip back to our birth in Coral Sea Marina.
Thanks to Shane N, excellent on the helm, Ray L and Donna D very competent Crew.
Geoff S; Skipper in charge.
Activation 22/1/2023: Medivac to Hamilton Island.
It was late afternoon on a perfect weather day when the call came for a medivac to Hamilton Island.
James and I set out with sun behind the yard arm, Brie on the helm. A totally uneventful passage followed- well done Brie, that’s exactly how we like it. Now to make the call to find out which birth we’re going too. A minute later: “It’s the usual one on F arm”. There was a very large blocky recovery barge in the way at F arm which isn’t our usual birth anyway- ask for a clarification please. “Oh yes, they meant G arm”- that’s better.
With plenty of room we docked easily thanks to excellent line work by the crew and with our tiny passenger on board we were quickly away with James on the helm. James handled the close quarter work in Coral Sea Marina expertly as usual, with Brie keenly observing his moves, light handed on the helm.
Passengers off on L1, refuelled and back to pen, all was finished by 2040.
Thanks to our expert crew and affable paramedic.
Crew: James R and Brie S.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 23/01/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island in the very early hours.
No matter how much I like the Beatles song “Help”, when it goes off at a quarter to one in the morning it is not a good sign. Phone holder Ray said we had been tasked to do a medivac from Hamilton, the second for the night.
While I was on my way in Ray put a crew together, and I met Donna and Phil at the security gate and we started to prepare Coral Sea Marina VMR1 for the trip. We were joined by two paramedics around 0130 and were on our way 5 minutes later for a quite pleasant trip across in an ESE wind of 12-15 knots on a dropping tide. It was a very dark night.
VMR1 was alongside at Hamilton for the second time that night an hour later, and by 0245 was on its return journey after the paramedics and the walk on patient were on board. By 0340 we had discharged our passengers at L10, and after refuelling and returning to our own berth and doing the necessary cleanup and paperwork, it was 0410 by the time we started back to home.
Thanks to the Crew: Donna D and Phil H, nice job and good to have you on board.
Skipper: Mal P.
Activation 24/1/2023: Medivac from Hayman Island.
“Are you ‘right for a quick trip to Hayman?” Came the call from Ray our 24hr emergency phone holder at 0840. Perfect summer weather, you bet!
Shortly after 0900 Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was on the way with Donna doing a great job on the helm. I’d love to be able to write about an exciting trip over with lots of problems to solve or avoid, but Donna kept the mission very uneventful, so I’d be making it up.
Once in Hayman marina and we’d sorted out whether it was a blow on or a blow off, birthing was easy as it was a blow along. After a short delay loading our patient, Donna took us out of the marina and on a thoroughly pleasant trip home.
All finished by 0915. Dick did an excellent job on comms, making all the calls and of course skipper Ray was full of good advice and positive feedback.
Thanks also to our very professional paramedic.
Crew: Donna D and Dick F.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 25/1/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island
I was jolted awake just after 0600 by my boisterous VMR emergency ring tone. “We have a medivac to Hamo,” said Ray, “no hurry, see you in 20 min”. Feet hitting the floor and leading me towards caffeine, then another call, “It’s off. They’re going on the ferry instead.” All good, I can go back to dosing….15 min later and another call, “It’s back on, someone missed the ferry!” OK, I’ll be there in 15 min.
When I arrived our crew already had preparations well under way and within 15 min our paramedic was also on board. We steamed out on Coral Sea Marina VMR1 at 0800.
The sea air was clear and sea state calm. What a joy to be cruising along at this time of day.
After a totally uneventful crossing, just as we were approaching Hamilton Marina another call came in. “Don’t worry, they got on the ferry.” Ray said, “Turn around, let’s take the scenic route home”. Terry countered, “let’s go in anyway and visit the bakery!”
Then came the clarification. “Oh no, that should have read, they missed the ferry!” They are waiting for you on G Arm. Just as well I hadn’t taken Ray’s advice, or it would have been another u turn. The rest of the mission was totally uneventful, except we had to forego the trip to the bakery!
All done and dusted by 1040, thanks to a great performance by our Crew: Ray L, Terry C and Dick F and of course our QAS paramedic.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 26-27/01/2023 – Medical evacuation Hamilton Island
Not quite asleep, yet not quite awake; I dreamt my phone was ringing….This proved to not be a dream. Ray, our 24/7 emergency phone holder told me of a medical evacuation from Hamilton Island was at hand. As he gathered a crew, I gathered my thoughts; no wind to speak of, no rain of any significance, bottom of the tide, but rising. Looks like a good night for a quick sojourn at Hamilton Island.
Upon arrival at Coral Sea marina I was delighted to see movement on the boat as crew members readied Coral Sea VMR1 for departure; the presence of a vacant ambulance told me the paramedic was on scene. Our departure was smooth, no hiccups, crew working as a team. Once clear of the leads, we proceeded to Unsafe Passage via Pioneer Point. The passage was comfortable, transit at 23 knots.
Upon arrival we were unable to raise the Security personnel for directions for berthing, there being no response we proceeded to our frequently used “G” arm location. The patient and partner were made comfortable prior to our departure. The seas were very calm and we had an armchair ride back to Coral Sea marina. After discharging the passengers we refuelled and completed paperwork, signed off with Hay Point VTS and let Ray know we had returned.
Thanks to each of the Crew: James R – Senior crew; Donna D- Communications; and Brie S- Deckhand.
Skipper: Paul M.