Activation 1/2/2023: 30’ cruiser broken down near Pioneer Rocks. 2 POB
Our 24hr emergency phone holder, Ray, called at 07.25 just as I was trying to get myself and a soggy dog through the front door after our walk.
By the time I got to Coral Sea Marina VMR1 it was ready to go, so off we went. We were about the top of the tide with a 10-15 knot N Wester which was pushing up a horrible short sea. We rocked and rolled to Pioneer Point and found our target at anchor with a bridle rigged ready for the tow.
After the tow rope was passed over and made off on the bridle, we gently took the load off the anchor and fortunately there was enough juice left in the batteries to get their anchor up.
The seas were very short and steep causing a bit of surging. We only had the target under tow for a few minutes before the bridle parted. Fortunately they had a strong Sampson Post so we got under way again quite quickly and travelled to CSM at a steady 6 knots. After shortening the tow we entered CSM to put the vessel alongside. The vessels berth is on A arm and with the wind blowing it was going to be a bit problematic getting them into their pen.
CSM had organised an easier berth for us, and their tub was standing by to give us a hand. Anyway, after a bit of a discussion, the targets owner in his tender and with the CSM tub helping, they decided to go for their correct pen leaving us an easy trip to our pen to tidy up.
Ray walked round to meet them and catch up on the paperwork whilst we sorted the boat out. All in all, a potentially difficult job was made easy by friendly co-operation and good crew work.
Crew: Ray L, Bill H and Terry C.
Skipper: Geoff S.
Activation (1) 3/2/2022: Medivac from Hamilton Island
Perfect conditions, a flat sea and clear blue sky provided Coral Sea Marina VMR1 a dream run over to Hamilton Island.
Our berth was a little tight, having to compete with a white boat for space, but an excellent effort from Dick and our other two crew Phil and Mike, got us safely tied up in place.
After loading our patient, getting away without rubbing a black mark along that pretty gel coat was going to be a challenge. Not one we are unfamiliar with, so all was OK. A hard spin off to starboard, with stern pushed out to 40 degrees, while Dick supervised the cushioning effect of the large fender at the bow, allowed us to back away clean.
We had a gorgeous trip home that any tourist would be happy to pay for and were all finished and packed up by just under the usual 3 hour mark.
Crew: Dick F, Phil H, Mike D.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation (2) 3/2/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island.
Our second medivac from Hamilton Island for the day was quite a different affair. In the very late to wee small hours the brisk northerly had whipped up a bit of a chop. With the wind at our backs the trip over in Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was uneventful, except for the appearance of a fast moving jet ski in mid Whitsunday Passage with only partial navigation lights, close to midnight. Better watch out for it on the return trip.
The boating gods had conspired to block our usual berth again, so we had to do a crafty spin turn amid some little speedies on F arm. A crewman cautioned, “Oh no, we won’t fit!” but we squeezed in, inching up to a nice looking cat. That left us with our gangway hard up against a pontoon pylon, but Bill and Mike, ever resourceful, were able to move it, (us), just clear.
Then with our casualty requiring a gentle trip home, the real challenge began. Directly into a 15 knot northerly chop was not going to provide it. A series of tacks across the waves at a gentle speed, trying to time our course corrections to coincide with the lee of islands followed. This convoluted course and slow speed made our crossing slower than usual, but was appreciated.
An excellent effort by our crew and a very professional paramedic, saw us all packed up and finished by 3am.
Crew: Bill H, Mike D.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 04/02/2023: Member broken down at Chalkies Beach.
I (Ken) received a call from Bruce in the radio room to say a member was broken down at Chalkies Beach.
Bruce then organised a crew to meet at Coral Sea Marina VMR1. With Bill, Debbie and Dick onboard we departed Coral Sea Marina at 15:30. The sea conditions were glorious. With Debbie on the helm VMR1 raced along in these smooth conditions. What a huge difference to the recent Northerlies.
As we were going through Hook passage I noticed two stationary vessels in close proximity to each other. Then I received a call from one of the vessels. The second boat said that there was a vessel broken down out towards the reef. This vessel had towed the other as far as they could before running short on fuel themselves. The question was, could VMR assist? Well yes, however, we need a lot more information. Apparently the stricken vessel was standing by on VHF channel 16. We tried to call them with no response.
As VMR1 was already on an activation I passed this information on the our Radio base where Bruce proceeded to contact various authorities. Debbie had us up and on our way to our target vessel once again. 16:50 we were alongside our target vessel. I had towed this vessel from this very spot previously.
17:05 we departed for Coral Sea Marina. Along the way we received a call from Bruce and Vessel Tracking Services. There had been an EPIRB set off out towards the reef. What was our ETA at CSM? 19:00 was the reply. Could we do a fast turnaround? Yes, we needed to refuel. Bruce organised a change of three crew as this could be a long night. 19:10 VMR1 was departing Coral Sea Marina.
Great team work between both crews, made this fast turnaround possible.
Thank you to the Crew: Debbie S on the Helm, Bill H as Senior crew and Dick F on Communications.
Skipper: Ken B
EPIRB activation 4/2/2023: EPIRB set off near reef
Having just refuelled Coral Sea Marina VMR1 after the previous activation ended at 19:00, a quick change to some crew and we were off again at 19:10.
VMR1 under full power heading to Latitude 20Degrees 01 minutes Decimal 435 S, Longitude 149 Degrees 01 Minutes Decimal 119 E, Sea conditions were amazing for this EPIRB rescue.
With messages coming in Via VHF radio thick and fast we had two crew members taking down the information as details arrived. Donna was on the bridge with me deciphering the various radio transmissions. James was doing his best to put together some food and coffee. The remainder of the crew monitoring the radio transmissions. Plotting new positions as they arrived.
What did we know? The information was initially very scant. Was this the same vessel reported earlier with 4 pob? Our ETA was 48 minutes as the crow flies, a little longer, as we passed between Hayman and Hook Islands. With James on the helm, the coffee and food was now attacked. The rescue aircraft arrived on the scene and immediately supplied regular updates. 20:21 VMR1 was alongside our target vessel. With all their crew accounted for and no injuries.
James and crew commenced setting up the tow line while I manoeuvred VMR1.
20:30 we were underway To Port of Airlie. The rescue aircraft having completed a successful mission returned to the duties.
VHF communications were difficult at times. Had it not been for the assistance and relay from VTS, our mission would have far more stressful. 22:45 we cast off our target vessel and headed to Coral Sea Marina to refuel.
Every activation comes with lots of paperwork and questions from various agencies. This entire operation could have been avoided if the stricken vessel’s VHF Radio and antenna had been tested before venturing to the reef.
Thank you to my dedicated Crew. Great work! Senior crew: James R, Communications: Dick F, Assistant on the bridge: Donna D, Deck crew trainee: Phil H
Skipper: Ken
Activation 10/2/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island.
In spite of the strong wind warning at the trailing edge of cyclone Gabrielle, the sea state and wind were calm and sky blue as Coral Sea Marina VMR1 set off on yet another medivac from Hamilton Island at 1330.
What a paradise are the Whitsundays with their pristine beaches, abundant coral, marine wildlife and plenty of protected anchorages. Our skilled crew made the task extremely pleasant. Donna did most of the helming, beginning cautiously to venture into the marina confines. Well done!
Our only excitement came when one of the large floating mats of seaweed suddenly turned out to be hiding a large turtle, which showed no inclination to dive out of our way. Donna’s timely swerve avoided the collision which, at 24 knots, would not have been good for either party.
We were refuelled and back in our berth by 1630. Excellent mooring, radio and line handling by Dick and Phil. Thanks also to our dedicated paramedic.
Crew: Donna D, Dick F and Phil H.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 14/2/2023: Medivac from Hayman Island.
A balmy midnight run over to Hayman Island on Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was only the second best thing I could think of doing on the water. It was so dark no unlit land features were visible and a dead low tide. Fortunately the beacons were clear and with the guidance of our Forward Looking Infra Red, radar and chart plotters, (thanks to our sponsors), it was a safe passage.
With no visible “tell tails” to indicate whether it was a blow on or off for berthing, we were fortunate to find it was pretty neutral. With our casualty quickly loaded, we were back out in safe deep water for a pleasantly uneventful trip back to the tranquillity of Coral Sea Marina.
Unloading on L1 and refuelling usual, saw us back in our home berth by 0045. Thanks to expert line handling from our two senior crew, Michel and Bill and of course our professional paramedic.
Crew: Michel D and Bill H.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 17/2/2023: QPS transfer.
A very pleasant way to spend a Friday morning, ferrying our people in Blue to do their thing in the islands. Next time we will take our civie shirts so we can visit the bakery for breakfast.
With only a brief moment of excitement as we had to take avoiding action when another vessel under power seemed to be making no attempt to give way as it approached from our port, otherwise an uneventful trip. All done 1300.
Thanks to the Crew: Michel D and Dick F for their excellent work.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 18/2/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island.
Both Michel and I had just made our morning coffee at our respective homes, when the emergency radio room phone called. Can you do a quick job to Hamo for QAS? Yes of course! So come 1000 we were on our way into the briny blue with Debbie doing a great job on the helm.
An uneventful trip over was followed by an even less eventful trip home, so we were going to look for our croissants and coffee by 1300.
Thanks to Crew: Michel and Debbie, very professional and of course great inter-operability with QAS.
Crew: Michel D, Debbie S.
Skipper: Shane N.
Activation 25/2/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island.
Saturday night at last an activation. Bill Called at 22:40 with the good news. I headed for Coral Sea Marina VMR1 knowing that Donna and Phill would also be on their way.
23:30 with the two Paramedics onboard we departed Coral Sea Marina. The conditions were good considering an ESE wind of 25 knots. The stars were brilliant.
I had Donna on the Helm and Phill attending to paperwork/ comms. Unsafe passage Green light was out. Take care while transiting. 24:45 we arrived at the Hamilton island dock. With a quick turn around we departed at 01:00. Donna on the helm again with the wind behind we surfed towards CSM.
02:00 docked in the usual spot. Transfer our patient to the stretcher and off to the waiting ambulance. Refuelled and back to our pen. All paper work complete it was time for bed 02:45.
Thankyou to my Crew, great work.
Crew: Donna D, Phil H.
Skipper: Ken Bryce