Activation 4/3/2023: VMR2 vessel assist.
My first time as skipper of Whale Song VMR2 for a vessel assist. Excellent! Ideal conditions, only 2 nm off Coral Sea Marina.
As is often the case we turned up to the co-ords given, to find no boat in sight and the second attempt was also a no find. We just cruised around for a bit ’til we found a boat wallowing with a slightly worried looking mum. Bingo!
It was calm enough to raft up and do the paper work. We couldn’t get up onto the plane, so a 6 knot trip home rounded out the hour for a drop off at Whisper Bay.
Thanks to our very expert senior Crew: James R. and Bill H.
Skipper: Shane N.
General safety note to all boaties:
Take the time to to practice getting familiar with finding accurate co-ordinates for your location. A) from your chart plotter and B) from your mobile phone. You never know when it might be critical that help arrives quickly and accurately to your location.
Activation 8/3/2023: 10m yacht aground in Muddy Bay.
Ken called at 13.30, a yacht was aground near the Cruise Whitsunday dock in Muddy Bay. Eco Barge had tried to pull them off the mud but didn’t have quite enough power. Sounds like a job for Coral Sea Marina VMR1.
We had a 3.6 high at 11.00 and were heading for a 0.93 low at 17.20. We had to move smartly as the tide was falling. We got away at 14.00 and were alongside our target in 20 mins and they were already leaning over at about 30 degrees, just out of the channel.
As the target had his main halyard out to leeward and in the water, we thought it would be worth trying to pull them gently sideways back into the channel. The Cruise Whitsunday vessel Kingfish was
approaching from seawards so as we were blocking the channel, we elected to hold for a moment to let them past.
As soon as Shane and Phil got the Halyard round the anchor winch and back to the cleat we started to back off. As the target listed even more, she started to move a little. By the time her gunwales were under she was moving nicely towards the channel. Once she was afloat in deeper water, we waited a few minutes to let Cruise Whitsundays Cobia out, let go the halyard and followed our target out of the channel to do the paperwork.
After farewelling the yacht and wishing them a safe trip, they were on their way to Brisbane, we headed for home arriving at 15.00.
Thanks to a great crew for making the whole thing so uneventful.
Crew: Shane N, Phil H, Dick F.
Skipper: Geoff S.
Activation 11/03/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island
Michael one of our dedicated 24 hour phone holders called at 23:06 with a medivac to Hamilton Island. With the crew onboard we waited for the paramedic.
Coral Sea Marina VMR1 departed Coral Sea Marina at 23:06, conditions were perfect. Donna on the helm for the trip we arrived at Hamo 00:06.
A quick turn around and we departed at 00:10.
Arriving at Coral Sea marina at 01:10. We refuelled, returned to our berth, washed down and were heading for home at 01:30.
Thank you to the Crew. It was Craig`s first activation. Michel was busy guiding Craig.
Senior crew: Michel, Helm Assistant: Donna, Trainee: Craig
Skipper: Ken
Activation 12/3/2023: Sinking Vessel Edwards Group – a long day for VMR1 and crew.
It was 07:25 when Abbie from the Radio base called to inform me (Ken) that a vessel was sinking in the Edwards Group. This was a 5 metre plate vessel which they fortunately had beached. Otherwise, it would have sunk before we arrived. 07:45 the crew were assembling on Coral Sea Marina VMR1. This was our normal monthly maintenance day which commences at 08:00 anyway. So, we go on an adventure, whilst doing maintenance.
08:05 we departed Coral Sea Marina heading for the Edwards Group.
Great conditions made for a very pleasant trip with Shane on the helm. 09:30 there was our target, beached on the only coral landing in sight. They were very lucky to spot this, as it was the only landing on the island.
09:35 Paul, James and myself launched the tender and headed to shore to evaluate the situation. Meanwhile Donna went about the maintenance and Shane held station on VMR1. The tide was flooding rapidly, which kept Shane busy on the helm.
On inspection the bow of our target, there was a split approximately 500mm vertically up the stem. This was certainly going to be a difficult rescue. With the incoming tide it was decided that we needed to take the vessel higher up the very steep shore before it was flooded by the rising sea.
Paul, James and I, with the assistance of the two fishermen, set about rigging a 5:1 pulley system. We tried, as we had in the past, to use VMR1 as the main puller. This was where Donna tied every line that we had onboard together, to make one long line joined to our already 100 metre Dyneema tow-line. James and I then towed it back to shore using our new tender. The current was now flowing rapidly past, not helping.
Back on shore, using VMR1 as the tugboat, Paul on comms, instructed VMR1 to commence the pull. We were making progress, however, the friction and lack of a suitable mounting on shore the line eventually failed. Donna the only crew on VMR1 had to pull in approximately 150 metres of tow-line, while Shane held VMR1 on station. Communications with the VMR base during the day were answered by our radio operators on duty. Abbie K and Elaine R. Thank you for your dedication.
The two fishers had rigged an anchor in a cavity amongst the rocks. We could not use this with VMR1. So now it was manual labour, with five men pulling on a tow-line. We made very slow progress, however it was progress in the right direction. The tide had peaked, so as it fell we would be able to pump out the water. We had every fender submerged and tied to the stern of the stricken vessel to assist with the flotation. We successfully pumped the vessel almost dry. Then the pump had picked up too much coral rubble and slowly started to have almost nil discharge.
We had various 12 volt pumps on board VMR1, however, with the 500mm split in the bow these would not be able to keep up with the inflow of the sea. The owner decided to call it a day. They were both safe. The vessel could wait to be rescued another day. I ferried all their fishing gear, esky, etc. to VMR1 and then on the last trip the five of us weary soles headed to VMR1.
It was now 16:30. It had been a very long arduous day for all concerned. 18:40 we arrived at Port of Airlie at the bottom of the tide. (Murphy was still against us). With little, very gentle movements, I placed VMR1 against the dock, as close as we could. The crew unloaded all equipment, our fishermen departed and we headed to refuel 19:00.
19:25 washed down, paperwork complete this crew were now off duty and ready for a shower etc.
You can be sure, this is only the surface details, of what we all did! Great effort. Great crew.
Crew: Paul M, Shane N, James R, Donna D.
Skipper: Ken B
Activation 15/3/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island
The sea was glassed out so Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was able to make 24 knots on our way to Hamilton Island. Approaching midnight good company kept us alert on a very dark night.
It was almost low tide as we pulled into Hamilton Marina and as we turned up towards the fuel wharf the absolute glassy smooth water surface created an unexpected optical illusion. The perfectly matched reflections of all the pylons made everything look twice as tall. Fortunately as we turned towards our usual berth the different angle made the reflection imperfect and relativity was restored.
Our patient was a walk on and waiting for us, so we were able to cast off almost immediately. The trip back to Coral Sea Marina was equally smooth and uneventful, so we set down our passengers on L1, refuelled all was done by 0115.
Thanks to our experienced crew, Ray and Michel and of course our QAS paramedic.
Crew: Ray L and Michel A
Skipper: Shane N
Activation 16/3/2023: Breakdown tow for a member before training.
Thursday training night, Ray called to say there is a breakdown requiring a tow. Can we make it before training commences at 16:30 was my question to myself?
A quick round up of crew and we departed at 15:05. I explained on the way what needed to be done. Everyone new their task. Found our target at 15:50, by 15:55 we had the vessel under tow.
Almost perfect conditions, a little chop as we neared the shore.
Our target needed to be dropped at Port of Airlie. That just took a little longer than I was expecting. 16:45 we were on our way to pick up the balance of the crew who I hoped were still patiently waiting for Training.
Thank you for the very efficient crew work.
Crew: Paul M (Senior Crew), Aivars P (Comms), Donna D, Richard F.
Skipper: Ken B.
Activation 17/3/2023: Small boat broken down outside CSM. Boat… which boat…?
Ray called at 0900. A small boat had flagged down a commercial vessel asking for a tow back to Coral Sea Marina. The commercial vessel had a full load of passengers so was unable to help but the companies office contacted us for assistance.
Whilst driving to the marina the vessel somehow moved from outside CSM to Funnel Bay. Anyway, I arrived at the marina, beaten by Donna who was getting Whale Song VMR2 ready for sea, quickly joined by Dick. Shortly afterwards we left in perfect conditions heading for Funnel Bay.
On the way we were looking for anyone in distress and saw nothing till we got to Pioneer Point. We found a tinny there with a couple of guys fishing who didn’t want to be rescued but they did tell us they had seen the commercial vessel alongside a small boat over the Mandalay side. Off we went again. We found nothing there and as we were drifting, wondering what to try next, one of the JetSki tour guides arrived to rescue us. He had been asked to help if he could, he had been told the target boat was in fact a red and yellow half cabin off Mandalay and we were the only likely boat around.
OK, what next? Despite a good look round, the possibilities were that the target had sunk but we hadn’t seen any wreckage; the target had got their motor going and had headed off; another vessel had rescued them and towed them in. Not being able to do any more we headed for home arriving just before 1030.
So…..if you do call for help and things change so that you don’t need the help, PLEASE let everyone know. If you can’t do it, please ask someone else to. It saves us, and others, worry and wasted time.
Crew: Donna D, Dick F.
Skipper: Geoff S.
Activation 18/03/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island
Depart Coral Sea marina 11:58 with paramedic on board heading for Hamilton Island.
SE 15 to 20 a little choppy. Donna on the helm from the berth to Hamilton Island. A little detour where I took over the helm as Michel lost his hat at the entrance to Hamilton island. We had one ferry departing Hamo on our bow and another to our Starboard exiting the Airport.
A quick man over board practice and the hat was recovered. Donna back on the helm for the docking practice, arriving at 13:05.
13:20 with the patient settled we departed for CSM arriving at 14:13. Then to refuel and back to our pen at 14:45.
Thank you to Senior crew Michel for the extra training exercise.
Crew: Michel A, Brie S and Donna D
Skipper: Ken B
Activation 25/3/2023: Medivac from Hamilton Island.
22:15 Ray was on my emergency phone with a Medivac from Hamilton Island. Donna, James and I (Ken) prepared Coral sea Marina VMR1, then awaited the arrival of the paramedic.
22:45 we departed Coral Sea Marina. The sea conditions were good with 15 knot ese. Donna took over the helm for the entry at 23:45.
23:50 with the patient and friend onboard we departed Hamilton Island.
James was on on the helm for the home run to Coral Sea Marina.
Clear sky, beautiful sea conditions. All paperwork complete, vessel secure, we headed for home at 01:20.
Thank you to my crew.
Crew: James R (Senior crew), Donna D (Comms)
Skipper: Ken B
Activation report 26/03/2023: Assist sailboat
At 2036 last night I received a call from a sailor whose engine had failed and was sailing towards Airlie and requested our assistance, the phone reception was bad and the only information I received was that it was a 50ft Benetau and they were sailing around outside of Coral Sea marina so, as the person sounded stressed and I was the closest skipper to the marina I decided to go and take Shane as helmsman.
Shane and I arrived at Coral Sea Marina VMR1 about the same time and started preparing the vessel for departure. Michael and Craig arrived, so with Shane on the helm we departed our berth at 2110. As we cleared the entrance lateral marks Shane and I looked into the dark and could not see a thing so I called the skipper and he said that he was north of the resort?? After some questioning we assumed that he meant Northlies so I asked him to turn his deck lights etc on and we saw some lights flicker at Bluff Point.
When we arrived at the scene he still had his furling sail up so we asked him to pull it in which took some time. We attached our towline and towed the vessel to the entrance of Port of Airlie Marina, where we rafted the vessel along side and took it into his marina berth before returning to our CSM berth around 2300 hrs.
Shane was on the helm for the whole activation and did an excellent job, thanks to crew of Michel and Craig.
Crew: Shane N, Michel A, Craig B.
Skipper: Ray L.
Activation 27/03/2023: Assist a 16.5m ketch broken down at Stonehaven.
Phone holder Ray set off the Help ringtone at 1600, a 16.5 m ketch (about 50 tons) had anchored after it had broken down at Stonehaven, and had requested a tow to Port of Airlie, was I available? Okay, can do, so while I was on my way in Ray organised a crew of Michel, Donna and Dick. They had pre-departure checks almost completed by the time I arrived, and we set off for the 15 mile trip to Stonehaven, on Hook Island, just after 1630. A slight slop, with a SE wind of 13-18 knots made for a good trip across. En route we checked the coordinates, and were given what was probably a “curser” position on the eastern side of the Island – we thought we could see our target, and it was definitely on the western side, as reported initially.
By 1720 we were alongside the ketch, which was having problems with its starter motor. After completing the paperwork and setting up our towline with the bridle to spread the tow load to two cleats on their deck, we took the strain while they raised their anchor, and started for Port of Airlie at 1740, getting up to a comfortable 8.5 knots. Off Pioneer Rocks we had to alter course for a sailing vessel heading east, with hard to see masthead nav lights and not responding to multiple VHF radio calls despite calling them by name to request they keep clear of us and the towed vessel. At least their name was displayed on AIS but they should have been monitoring their VHF. Off the entrance to the channel to the marina we took the ketch alongside, and then came the hard part.
The floodlights on the sportsground were right in our line of sight, making it difficult to see the channel markers which were partially obscured by birds roosting on the rails at the top! With Michel using a torch to point out the markers, we slowly made our way down the channel before taking the 90 degree turn to starboard with our 50 ton companion trying to make us go to port, but with careful use of the forward and reverse thrust of our twin 480hp shaft drives we got in comfortably, and started for the berth that we had been asked to take them to – but it was already occupied! So it was pick a vacant berth that we could get them into, and we were fortunate that there was an outside berth that would accommodate them, and after a 270 degree rotation to port we were able to get them alongside to get some lines on. I must admit we were a bit taken aback when one of their crew threw a mooring line onto the dock – when it was not attached to the boat! But they got it sorted and secured the boat, so we cast off our lines and headed back to Coral Sea Marina to refuel, go back to our own berth, and do the washdown and paperwork before heading home for a well-deserved meal at 2150, after a five hour plus activation.
Great teamwork by Michel, Donna and Dick, they definitely made my task less difficult than it could have been.
Crew: Michel A, Donna D, Dick F.
Skipper: Mal P.
Activation 29/3/2023: 4.5m runabout with flat battery off Long Island.
Ray, one of our 24hr phone holders, called at 09.20. A 4.5m runabout had a flat battery off East Rock (NE Long Island) and was drifting North. I got to Coral Sea Marina VMR1 at the same time as Dick. Donna and Phil were already getting the boat ready for sea. We departed CSM at 09.45 with beautiful conditions, flat seas, little wind and sunny. We found our target anchored a little south of South Head.
We went alongside and passed over the jump starter. Shortly after that the mighty Mercury burst into life and everyone was happy. I felt sorry for the owner though because he had paid to have his battery terminals replaced but they hadn’t replaced the small charging wire terminals. That’s why the battery was flat. The owner was quite handy and did a temporary fix, so he started charging again. Anyway, we followed him to Shute Harbour just in case but he didn’t need us. A good local knowledge exercise for the crew though.
Back to CSM, to refuel and into the pen by 11.30.
Thanks to a great crew that made a good day even better.
Crew: Donna D, Dick F, Phil H,
Skipper: Geoff S.
Activation 30/3/2023: 5.3m Haines Hunter broken down at the reef. 4POB.
A placid Thursday morning, planning on going to weekly training after a very, quiet few days. The sea conditions are excellent; the weather hot, sunny and barely a boat in sight, time for lunch… not so fast young fella! A quick call from Ray, our 24/7 Emergency Phone Holder was on the line, a trip to the reef!!! Quickly gathering my gear, off we go to Coral Sea marina. Enroute, a quick call to Ken making an invitation, which was impossible to refuse, we sallied forth. Upon arrival at the marina Shane was busy filling in the log, Phil and Rob were taking care of the prestart checks, Donna was assisting getting the upper helm ready for sea.
Departing the Marina at 1150hrs, following the track set by our plotter to the last reported position of a 5.3m Haines Hunter, our target! The seas were very kind and wind gentle, who could ask for more??
Keeping a good lookout for other vessels or other exciting sights we soon came across a massive shoal of fish forced to the surface by predators, soon a pair of dolphins broached the surface giving us a clue to the reason for the melee. We did attempt to contact the target vessel, to no avail, no drama we pressed on. At 1340hrs we slid alongside the stricken vessel, married up and quickly got the required paperwork completed, tow hook attached and off we went. The 4 fishermen were quite happy to see us, they had no communications what so ever, no response to their radio calls, a very lonely feeling! Fortunately our radar displayed their vessel clearly a few nautical miles from their last reported position.
Shortly after commencing the tow a buoy was sighted on our port side. We decided to investigate in case there was more to the sighting, no, only a rather impressive coating of barnacles! Satisfied there was nothing to be gained, we continued our journey back to Port of Airlie. Approaching the leads we slowed and manoeuvred to once again marry up to the fishing vessel ant towed them to the public jetty. Shane did an excellent job avoiding ferries and pleasure craft, positioning the boat neatly at the very end of the jetty, well done! Job completed at 1549hrs.
We proceeded to CSM, refuelled and returned to our berth, just in time to commence our weekly training under Ken’s guidance.
My thanks to the crew who made the journey pleasant and uneventful.
Crew: Assistant skipper: Shane N (Assistant Skipper), Ken B (Senior Crew), Donna D, Phil H and Rob W (trainee).
Skipper: Paul M.