Activation 04/09/2022: Medivac Hamilton island
17:20 my (Ken) emergency phone was ringing. Ray was on the line telling me there is a medivac from Hamilton Island. A very young boy was in a lot of pain having broken his collar bone. Okay not life threatening, however needing medical attention.
James just happened to be visiting me at the time, so he was on for a medivac. Debbie met us at Coral Sea Marina VMR1 and soon after the paramedic arrived. 17:50 we departed.
Sea conditions were good in Pioneer Bay however we knew this was going to change once we entered the passage. With James on the helm and Debbie taking care of the communications we bounced our way to Hamilton Island.
18:45 we were docked.
The patient and father were eagerly waiting. 18:50 we departed for Coral Sea Marina. James on the helm again, he took us around Roma point. The tide being with us made for a comfortable ride for our little patient.
20:08 we were heading for home.
Thankyou Debbie and James. Professional crew make my job easy.
Crew: James Roberts and Debbie Simpson
Skipper: Ken Bryce
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Activation 05/09/2022: Attempted medivac for a life threatening emergency call-out 40 miles away towards the reef.
Attending the VMRW Annual General Meeting, most of the positions filled, all proceeding well according to Hoyle! A moment to pause; a cell phone ringing….Bill our 24/7 Phone holder is moving to quieter surrounds, busily taking notes. Meeting pauses, something big, Mal our President addresses both Ken and I, a 2 skipper job some 40 nautical miles out; a medical emergency requiring rapid transportation to hospital. As information was gathered, crew assembled, a quick change in my case, as I was the duty skipper this night.
A diving incident had occurred some hours earlier, VMRW was not immediately notified, yet monitoring marine radio traffic gave us some reason to pause; the weather was deteriorating, night falling, rescue helicopter not available, viable options were quickly diminishing. Eventually the call from Queensland Ambulance Service was received, we were to transport 2 paramedics to the patient and then transport all three back to Coral Sea Marina to the awaiting ambulance.
My first job as President was our primary role, saving lives at sea! We awaited the arrival of the paramedics, Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was fully ready for the evening’s task. The conditions were less than ideal; very dark, no moon to speak of, 20 knots of wind from the southeast guaranteeing a bumpy ride as we travelled roughly north to our target, the tide was falling. Oh, what a surprise, wind against tide, not the most unusual of circumstances in this locale. The rolling seas were the undoing of our paramedics, thank goodness our crew were not cursed with sea sickness!
Communications with the target vessel were handled primarily through VTS Whitsunday (Vessel Tracking Service located at Hay Point), they did a splendid job keeping us informed of the target vessels speed, heading and current position. We were able to set our intercept course using this information. We wasted no time in heading into the night once our paramedics arrived, our speed was good for the prevailing conditions, 26 to 27 knots, the seas were unruly, wave height between 1-2 metres.
As we approached the northern boundary of the shipping lane we received a radio transmission providing both latitude and longitude of the target, we quickly realised we were within half a mile, her lights were now visible and we had good VHF communications with the vessel. It was obvious that a transfer of the paramedics or the patient was strictly out of the question, weather conditions were too hazardous.
We shadowed the vessel to Coral Sea Marina, discharged the paramedics, assisted with the pushing of the patient and stretcher and carried their gear, refuelled and a good wash down of our vessel.
A special note of gratitude to VTS, they were magnificent, passing vessel information as it became available, warning commercial vessels of our position and activities and requesting they give us a wide berth. Thank you!
Crew: Skipper-Ken Bryce, Senior Crew-Shane Newell and Michel del Aguila, Crew-Donna Deegan and Ross Vlismas.
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation 06/09/2022: Medivac from Hamilton Island
The morning started with Paul our new president, Mal our past president and myself taking Keith Williams the VMRAQ state manager for a PR ride on VMR1. After that I drove Keith to the airport, but as I passed Proserpine on the return trip Bill our 24/7 emergency phone holder called me for a medivac to Hamilton Island. As no other skippers were available I told Bill to organise a crew.
I arrived at Coral Sea Marina VMR1 to find the QAS officer waiting and Shane and Dick not far behind me so we departed at 1200 with about 18 knots of wind and surprisingly a reasonable sea. We had a quick turn around at Hamilton Island and were on our way home to catch a mother whale and calf near Pioneer Point. After unloading our passengers we refuelled, returned to our berth for a washdown and completed the paperwork at 1450.
Thanks to the crew.
Crew: Shane Newell and Dick Filewood
Skipper: Ray Lewis
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Activation 1 on 09/09/2022: 7m cruiser broken down and drifting near Pioneer Point.
rison called at 13.05, advising that a non-member’s 7m cabin cruiser had broken down near Pioneer Point near the Cruise Ship. When I arrived at Whale Song VMR2, Michel and Dick were busy getting our fast reaction vessel ready for sea and we got away at 13.30.
3.5 miles later we arrived at an empty sea. Dick called them on ch16 and was told that they were near Daydream. Unfortunately they weren’t so after a number of calls trying to get a fix on the position, we asked if they had a Latitude and Longitude on their VHF. Yes, was the response! Excellent, so these new numbers put our target’s position a little West and North of where we had been looking. Off we went again and finally located them, approximately 6 miles from the original position we had been given.
Whilst the paperwork was being completed we took the opportunity to offer some useful information about navigation, and also mentioned that VMR membership can be good insurance, particularly for those who might be relatively new to boating. 😉
By 14.40 we were on our way to Coral Sea Marina, and after dropping off our tow on the ramp finger and re-fuelling, we were back home on the dock for 16.05.
Crew: Michel del Aguila, Dick Filewood
Skipper: Geoff Smith.
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Activation 2 on 09/09/2022: Vessel with 3 people on board broken down at the reef.
Friday, the weather was superb. My emergency phone was ringing.
Bill Harrison one of our dedicated 24 hour emergency phone holders was on the line. We have a vessel broken down with 3 people on board out at the reef. “Okay, I am on my way”. Bill organised a crew while I headed for Coral Sea Marina VMR1.
13:10 we were departing the marina in brilliant conditions, spotting numerous whales along the way. Our target vessel was easy to find, having given us an accurate Latitude and Longitude. This does not happen very often. The owner was a VMR member back in 2021 however he had forgotten to renew. This was going to be an expensive mistake.
Donna had the helm all the way to the reef, while the rest of the crew spotted whales. 15:05 we had the vessel alongside completing some of the paperwork. The tow line was quickly set up by our very experienced crew and we were underway in 15 minutes. Flat seas allowed us to make good speed for the return trip, arriving at 17:35. We refuelled, returned to our berth, washed down and ready for home.
This was a rare trip to the reef in perfect conditions made easier with a great crew. Donna on the helm, kept a very accurate course.
Crew: Paul Martin-Assistant Skipper, Bill Hopton-Senior Crew, Donna Deegan-Crew, Paul Bloomfield-Comms
Skipper: Ken Bryce
As we were having our debrief, Shane Newell, one of our Coxswains called me to mention there was a vessel on fire in the anchorage of Airlie Beach. The Police had just raced out of Coral Sea Marina. No one had called VMR so we headed for home.
See next activation.
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Activation 3 on 09/09/2022: Fire in the bay
Having just arrived home from an activation, I was enjoying my dinner when my emergency phone was ringing. (I was duty skipper Friday night) 19:05 it was Bill Harrison, emergency phone holder telling me about the Vessel fire in the bay that Shane Newell had mentioned earlier. “Okay, I am on my way”. Bill gathered the crew while I headed back to Coral Sea Marina VMR1.
On arrival at the marina there were two QFES Fire trucks with many crew.
19:15 with my crew and four Fire officers onboard we raced to the burning Vessel. The main concern was if this vessel drifted it would easily ignite other vessels.
As I brought VMR1 alongside the burning vessel, the fire crew were setting up their pump. Murphy was on board obstructing as per usual and so the fire crew’s pump had an issue which prevented it from working. I instructed the VMR1 crew to set up our pump to fight the fire. Murphy was still there obstructing progress. I put Shane on the bridge helm while I went down to assist James and Bill with starting our pump. At last it was running flat out and in the hands of the fire crew.
A short while later the remaining fire crew solved the issue that they had with their pump. So now both pumps were slowly extinguishing the fire. I was back on the bridge maneuvering VMR1 with my crew keeping their eyes on the mast and rigging that was in the water. Excited hands were showing one metre. We attacked the fire from various sides and angles. The fire would be extinguished in one section only to spring up again. The black acrid smoke was also hindering our efforts. There were occasional minor explosions erupting from the vessel.
Eventually the fire was extinguished. It was interesting maneuvering VMR1 with two very noisy Honda fire pumps roaring in my ears. I had not realized how much I use my ears listening to our vessels two Cummins engines whilst maneuvering in very close quarters.
The vessel slid below the surface leaving behind only ashes. She was now a hazard to navigation with her mast, rigging and anchor chain below the surface.
21:15 we were headed back to our berth. Thank you to the crew on a very intense activation.
Crew: Shane Newell, Bill Hopton, James Roberts
Skipper: Ken Bryce
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Activation 10/09/2022: Jetski tow from Hardy Reef with Whale Song VMR2.
Saturday, what a great day for a trip to the reef. Dave one of our base Radio officers calling me (Ken) at 12:15. “We have a jet ski broken down near Hardy reef”.
12:30 we set off in VMR2 with James on the helm, Donna on communications. The sea conditions were fantastic. I selected Whale Song VMR2 for this reef activation as she is very conservative on fuel and we were to tow a Jet Ski.
The Jet Ski was in limp mode and so moving slowly back to Whisper Bay.
13:50 to my surprise I spotted a Jet Ski on AIS (Automatic Identification System). This was the very vessel we were looking for. Very good that he had this on, as we were not expecting to find him until further out.
I asked the usual Jet Ski question. “Have you turned off the water intake?” No was the answer.
Well, we can only tow at up to 7 knots if the valve is open and at that speed this is going to be a very expensive tow. His engine was still able to run, only just in limp mode. It was decided to give this a try.
13:55 with my efficient crew and this nonmember on board we set off to test this.
500 metres we stopped. James pulled the Ski alongside and it was still running. This meant the engine did not flood with water. Perfect.
However, we discovered that this ski towed very badly because it had a lot of extra equipment on board. Eg: Drone, under water scooter, cameras, VHF radios AIS etc.
We had to put the owner back on his ski to see if he could steer it at speed. Test number two. This went reasonably well although he would occasionally zig zag bordering losing control. 16:30 we dropped the ski at Whisper Bay ramp, then refuelled.
Thank you to Donna, for completing all the paperwork and James for assisting on the helm.
Crew: James Roberts, Donna Deegan.
Skipper: Ken Bryce.
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Activation 10/09/2022: Medivac from Hamilton Island
I (Ken) was on the night roster. My emergency phone was ringing at 01:40 it was Bill Harrison telling me we have a medivac from Hamilton Island.
Shane and Paul were also on Night duty so they joined me.
02:00 with Shane on the helm and the paramedic onboard Coral Sea Marina VMR1 we headed to Hamilton Island. Paul was doing the communications and paperwork, while I studied the stars and the magnificent moon. Sea conditions were beautiful.
03:08 saw us at Hamilton Island. The patient arrived on a stretcher and was transferred to VMR1. 03:20 Shane took us on our return trip to Coral Sea marina, arriving at 04:19. We dispatched patient and paramedic, then proceeded to refuel. 04:55 saw us heading for Home and back to bed.
Thank you to the crew
Crew: Shane Newell (Senior crew), Paul Bloomfield (Comms)
Skipper: Ken Bryce
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Activation 11/09/2022: Very busy few days for VMR Whitsunday continue – this time a breakdown in vicinity South Molle Island.
A glorious sunny Sunday morning! Vessel maintenance was well underway, all the checks nearing completion, replacement parts fitted and tested, the morning was progressing splendidly. A text arrived on my phone, “Vessel on AIS south west of North Molle “. Dave, the rostered Radio Operator for that morning had appraised Ken of the situation, the text was to warn me of the activation. I moved quickly to Coral Sea Marina VMR1, James and Donna were there, Ken and I arrived shortly thereafter. Quickly stowing all our tools and equipment, we made ready for departure.
The conditions were perfect, yachts, pleasure craft and fishermen were enjoying the day as we proceeded quickly towards North Molle Island. Once clear of Pioneer Rocks, our quarry was soon identified on the AIS (Automatic identification systems) and we proceeded towards South Molle Island. Our target was a beautifully restored and completely refurbished pleasure cruiser. Ken knew the skipper of the vessel and pleasantries were exchanged as paperwork and the towing bridle were completed and fitted. We towed the cruiser at a leisurely 8 knots, the preferred speed for this vessel. Once nearing the leads for Coral Sea Marina, we gently rafted the vessels together, and a radio message alerting all traffic in the vicinity of our restricted ability to manoeuvre and to stand clear, Securite!
Our movement within the marina was slow and steady, we halted and our rescued vessel was able to move to her berth under her own power.
Mission complete, we returned to our berth and continued with phase two of maintenance. Now for cutting, welding, grinding and a cool drink of water.
Many thanks to my crew, a pleasure, as always, to work with.
Crew: Ken Bryce – Senior crew, James Roberts – deck crew, Donna Deegan – Communications and deck crew.
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation 11/09/2022: Medivacs – two in a row.
I had only returned to Airlie after being in Brisbane for the VMRAQ state meeting and was expecting a quite relaxing night when Bill on the 24/7 phone called for medivac to Hamilton Island. So, I said to organise a crew and I will be heading down to the marina.
The medivac was a little bit different as the patient had injured his elbow and needed to go to the Proserpine hospital but we did not have to carry medics on the trip. At 1915 Coral Sea Marina VMR1 departed for the run which was quite pleasant with a full moon, light winds and a moderate sea.
A quick turn around at Hamilton island and we were on our way home but as we entered CSM Bill rang again. This time to say that we were required at Shaw Island as a lady on a vessel was having health issues. So we unloaded our patient and assisted a QAS officer on board and departed CSM at 2142.
It was just before high tide and we still had some current running with us so at 2860 RPM we hummed along at 27 knots to get there in reasonable time. As the patient was with a fleet of 12 Macgregor 26ft trailer sailors on their annual holiday to the Whitsundays, she was transported out on another vessel to meet us – clear of all the other vessels. We rafted up and after some consultation with a doctor on board we transferred the lady and her husband for the trip back to Airlie.
On our return the patient was placed on a stretcher for the trip to Proserpine and we refuelled, returned to our berth to wash down and complete the paper work, after 5.75 hours we were finished at 1 am.
Thanks to my crew.
Crew: Michel del Aguila, Barry Lake
Skipper: Ray Lewis
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Activation 12/09/2022: No Fuel, no go!
Starting early does have it’s advantages, so much can be done and a full day still to come, all before breakfast! Seeing that the only other skipper available had done 2 activations the night before and one skipper ill, I thought I should call the 24/7 emergency phone holder, Bill Harrison, to make arrangements for coverage in case of an activation. No sooner had we completed that conversation, breakfast was beckoning, the emergency tone sounded on my phone, “yes Bill?” A vessel had run out of fuel less than a nautical mile from Coral Sea Marina!
A crew was quickly assembled, this was to be a quick run, nothing too exciting. We headed towards the reported position of our target, hidden for a while by the shadow cast by the ocean liner anchored nearby. We quickly rafted up, speaking to the couple they expressed their embarrassment, they had spent 3 days on the reef fishing, a fair haul was their reward. Donna soon had them calmed and chatting merrily! Dick was handling the paperwork, once complete we headed for Coral Sea Marina. The seas were calm, and a relatively short run I decided to remain rafted to the stricken vessel, possibly hiding the ignominy from prying eyes.
Donna was acting Senior crew, taking care of what I wanted Dick to do once we entered the marina, including a demonstration, good job! We asked a vessel to move to the inside of the jetty while we delivered our guests to the jetty; lines released and we were on our way back to our berth. All paperwork completed, all checks completed and instrumentation covered, we retired to the dock.
Well done to Donna and Dick, thank you.
Crew: Donna Deegan and Dick Filewood.
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation 13/09/2022: Medivac from Hayman Island.
We had an uneventful medivac to Hayman Island. Coral Sea Marina VMR1 departed at 22:00 with Ross on the helm. Laura took the helm for the return journey. Conditions were ideal.
We picked up an 18 month child with health issues plus two carers and were soon on our way home to CSM. Then to disembark our passengers, fuel up, return to our berth to wash down and complete the paper work.
Finished at 20 past midnight and thanks to our Crew.
Crew: Laura Oates, Nick Beecroft and Ross Vlismas.
Skipper: Ray Lewis.
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Activation 14/09/2022: 56′ Maritimo cruiser with propeller fouled on a mooring line.
Checking the emergency crew availability, I see a Senior crew, various crewmen and no skipper, that’s not going to work. No worries, I’m available for a few hours, plenty of time to arrange for another skipper to take my place… no chance! The planets were not aligned; one attending to VMR business in Ayr and the other was driving and my phone connection was not good. Yes I have enough time to do a short job. As luck would have it, my hopes were dashed almost as soon as I finished my call to another skipper; 56′ Maritimo has fouled his propeller on a mooring line.
My crew gathered quickly, we readied Coral Sea Marina VMR1 and departed our berth. The emergency tone sounded on my phone as I rounded the end of the dock, a diver needed to be transported to inspect and remove the offending mooring line. Retracing our track, we returned to our berth; 45 minutes later it was take 2, diver and helper on board, off we went. Once outside Pioneer Bay, the wind firmly out of the southeast was making whale sighting very difficult, the swell was displaying it’s excitement with white caps. Within the hour we were alongside the cruiser, wind gusting well over 20 knots making the close quarter manoeuvring difficult. Once in the lee of the cruiser we were able to pass lines over and secure the rafting, at this point the wind subsided.
The diver explained his plan of action and was soon submerged, investigating the problem. Shortly he surfaced, a line from the deep was now floating on the surface, a quick wrap around the winch and the mooring line was exposed. Paperwork completed, lines released and a cheerful farewell given, we returned to Coral Sea Marina, refuelled, a good wash and tidy up complete we then bid farewell until next time. Thanking the crew for their efforts in what proved to be a challenging, but successful activation.
Crew: Senior crew – Michel Del Aguila, Communications – Donna Deegan, and Deck – Dick Filewood.
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation 14/09/2022: Medivac Hamilton Island
Another what is becoming a routine medivac from Hamilton Island. Bill had to chase up another crew as only Mike was on, and James kindly accepted the offer of another trip to Hamilton. With a new paramedic on board (never been to Hamilton before) and with James on the helm Coral Sea Marina VMR1 set off at 2120 into an ESE wind of 16-20 and an incoming tide making for a little slower trip than usual.
James had us alongside at 2230 after Mike and I had set up the stretcher, the patient had a septic injury on his arm and had a high fever. By 2240 we had him and his carer on board – he was able to walk off the other stretcher to ours – and after the paramedics set up a drip for him James took us back down the Molle Channel for a smoother ride as the patient was in some discomfort and sweating profusely.
Straight onto the fuel dock close to the walkway, we helped take the paramedics gear and patients luggage up top and then assisted the stretcher to the top before refuelling and getting back to N1 for the usual clean up and paperwork, all done by 0030. James did a fine job handling VMR1 and Mike was very good on Comms and as crew.
Crew: James Roberts, Mike Doney
Skipper: Mal Priday
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Activation night of 15 & 16/09/2022: Medivac from Hamilton Island.
After a good afternoon and evening of training I was looking forward to watching my beloved Wallabies play against our arch enemy, the All Blacks! As the game began an overwhelming feeling of doom settled upon me, the referee had awarded so many penalties against the Wallabies, it seemed the All Blacks had 16 players on the field. I walked away in disgust. Unable to drown my sorrows, being the duty skipper, I settled for a movie, didn’t say a good one, but it was enough to distract me. Ahhh, seeking the sweet surrender of sleep! My phone chimed the now very familiar tone of the emergency phone holder, Bill; a medivac from Hamilton Island.
The crew gathered, the paramedic arrived all checks complete and we were ready to go. The waning gibbous moon was a delightful change from the all consuming blackness of the past few evenings, the tide was nearing full and the winds had abated, the seas were calm, a good night for a cruise! Midnight was behind us as we headed towards the island; the days had been so busy with yachts and pleasure craft the previous few days, it was a pleasure to have the passage to myself.
Upon arrival at the Hamilton Island marina, we were directed to “G” arm, a familiar spot. Two events happened simultaneously, the first was the blinding blue lights from dead ahead and a vessel moored in the middle of our intended docking location; the moored vessel was moved along the arm, while the blue lights were searing my retinas. Who would think I would need my polarised sunglasses at one in the morning? Apparently a vessel was ‘up on the hard’ and it’s lights were inadvertently left burning! We collected our patient and carer and bid farewell to the Island.
The return voyage was just as pleasant as earlier, making good time we were soon docking at Coral Sea Marina, discharging our passengers and paramedic, refuelled and completed all paperwork, washed down our vessel and bid each other goodnight!
The crew did a great job, each doing their part to ensure all was completed with a minimum of fuss.
Crew: Senior – Ron McCall, Communications – Mick Doney, and Deck – Donna Deegan.
Skipper: Paul Martin.
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Activation 17/09/2022: Medivac from Hamilton Island.
t was 03:08 when my (Ken) emergency phone was ringing. It was Bill one of our emergency phone holders. We have a medivac from Hamilton island. “Okay I am on my way.”
03:40 with the paramedic onboard we departed Coral Sea Marina for Hamilton island. Bill had the helm while Barry continued with paperwork and deck duties. Sea conditions were absolutely perfect for the entire voyage. Arriving Hamilton island at 04:45.
The patient was loaded onto our stretcher and we departed at 04:55.
05:50 we docked at Coral Sea Marina where Barry assisted the paramedic to the waiting ambulance.
We refueled, then headed to our pen and home for breakfast 06:25.
Thankyou Bill and Barry for giving up some sleep. Enjoy your Saturday.
Crew: Bill Hopton, Barry Lake.
Skipper: Ken Bryce
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Activation 18/09/2022: QAS Medivac for sick baby on Hamilton Island
24/7 phone holder Bill called around 2130 as I was contemplating hitting the sack, we had been tasked to do a medivac for an ill baby on Hamilton Island. By 2205 we had the paramedic and his gear on board, and Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was on its way on a lovely flat sea, with a bit of moon coming through the clouds. We could not get into our usual berth and were alongside on the fuel dock by 2305, and were underway again with the baby, mum and dad ten minutes later.
Mike took the helm for the trip back (he is a marine pilot in WA) and as I was watching the FLIR on the way past Plum Pudding I could see a large black object just off our starboard bow, low in the water and not moving – it could only be a whale! We altered course to keep clear, and it was the first time we had spotted a whale on FLIR. Nice to know it will pick them up if they are sleeping, but there was minimal heat signature (I guess the blubber keeps the body heat in), just the black object low in the water.
0010 and we disembarked our patient and passengers, helped them get their gear to the ambulance, refuelled and made our way back to our berth to clean and secure VMR1 ready for the next activation. Mike and Debbie did a fine job, as expected.
Crew: Debbie Simpson, Mike Doney
Skipper: Mal Priday
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Activation 18/09/2022: Black reef break down becomes a trip to Pentecost Island for a vessel with engine “problems”.
Sunday morning around 10:45, I (Ken) receive a call from Ray, in the radio room. “We have a call from the police to attend Black Reef, for a vessel break down”.
11:05 with Bill, Brie and Delton onboard, we departed on Coral Sea Marina VMR1. Sea conditions, perfect for a run to the reef.
11:55 I receive a call from Ray telling me that our target vessel may be receiving assistance from a nearby vessel.
A little back ground as to other call outs. Whale Song VMR2 had been tasked to rescue a Boston Whaler 25 foot with engine problem. This task was just beyond Pentecost Island. This would be a rather slow retrieval for VMR2. With such a heavy vessel in tow. Never mind, she was on her way, Skippered by VMR President, Paul Martin.
Ah! Ray called back, we were stood down. Our target had his motor operating. Thanks to a nearby vessel. We had just passed Whitsunday Island en-route to the reef.
VMR2 was then stood down. VMR1 being more suitable for a quick retrievable of the Pentecost vessel.
The new plan was for VMR 1 to run down the outside of Hook Island through Solway passage and direct to Pentecost island. 13:05 we arrived at our target vessel. There she was drifting along.
As we pulled alongside, we noticed that their large outboard motor was submerged behind the vessel, attached via control cables and a rope. This towing operation had just taken on a totally different set of circumstances.
VMR1, with her massive towing capabilities, was now not the vessel required for this very slow tow. That one little detail of information i.e. the outboard has broken free from the vessel. 250kg attached by a rope. This was certainly a job for VMR2. Low fuel consumption, lower running costs. Well, we were there, so let’s get on with it.
We offered a strong line to secure the motor. The tow line was attached and we set off at 13:25. Because of the drag on their transom the stern was taking on water so we had to slow to maximum 9 knots. 15:50 we dropped them on the outside of the Shute Harbour Ramp.
16:30 we refuelled. Back to our pen complete the paper work 16:55.
Good work by the crew. A smooth operation.
Crew: Bill Hopton, Brie Sherow, Delton Keepa
Skipper: Ken Bryce
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Activation 18/09/2022: Short haul, good message
Having just returned to Coral Sea Marina after our part in an earlier activation was cancelled, Mike and I were busy completing the cleaning and paperwork when the boat phone rang; Mark, the on duty radio operator, explained that a vessel was out of fuel off Airlie Beach, this will be good!
We launched Whale Song VMR2 and set off looking for a bayliner, white hull and black biminy, 4 persons on board. Manoeuvring around the moored vessels, not entirely sure where the target vessel was located, we were looking for something that looked a little out of place.
Sure enough, there was our target. The relieved smiles on the faces of the adults told the story. As we proceeded to tie the vessel alongside and speak with our guests. The owner stated they had done a little running about, travelled to Whitehaven and back and the motor was starting to malfunction; coughing and sounding as if the engine was starving for fuel. The decision was made not to attempt to make the final part of the journey with an unreliable engine. A wise and sound decision! He had done some investigation into the conditions here prior to arrival, noted the need for some extra insurance and became a member of VMR Whitsunday! Another good decision! The tow was free, no fuss, no bother.
We ferried the stricken vessel to it’s mooring in Coral Sea Marina, no fuss, completed the paperwork and bid them farewell. In less than an hour the vessel was located, towed and moored.
Thank you Mike for your invaluable help and Mark for radio watch.
Crew: Mike Doney
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation 19/09/2022: Yacht sinking at mooring.
Another quiet Monday evening, looking at crew availability I was a little troubled; only two crew available. What can go wrong, it’s a Monday? The Fates answered almost immediately, Bill the 24/7 emergency phone holder called with an urgent message, a yacht sinking in the mooring field just off Airlie Beach. One of my more favourite things, poking around all the mooring buoys at night, this was not going to be a fast transit. The initial problem was trying to identify the yacht, phone contact was established, they had their navigation lights on and a flashlight on deck; given the background lighting from Airlie Beach and mast lights of the non-sinking yachts, a needle in a haystack came to mind.
Fortune was with us, Ken spotted a port light and Donna was in contact with the vessel’s owner, confirming they could see us. Switching on the starboard docking lights and rear deck lights illuminated the scene nicely. We quickly secured lines and had the dewatering pump primed and ready. Ken went aboard the yacht, searching for the leak, Donna had the business end of the suction hose in hand and entered the hold; the foot valve was too large to effect any water discharge, the 12 volt bilge pump was now installed. Water was soon being discharged overboard.
A quick taste of the water in the bilge soon proved the water to be fresh, no sea water ingress; one of the water tanks had sprung a leak, the yacht was not in danger of sinking. The yacht’s owners were much relieved, they needed to be ashore and caring for their family. They secured the vessel and requested we tow their tender to the beach, this was impractical, Coral Sea Marina VMR1 would not get them within 200 metres of the shore as our draught was too deep. It was decided to drop them at the public jetty at Coral Sea Marina.
It certainly pays to be a member, a one time joining fee of $20.00 and $80.00 per annum, provides the member with a one time per year, up to a 4 hour free tow, a $1500.00 value.
My thanks to the crew, particularly Ken who answered my call for a senior crew and ran the deck and set up the pumps, to Donna who braved the bilges and Laura for a good hands-on learning experience.
Crew: Ken Bryce (Senior crew), Donna Deegan (Communications), Laura Oates (Deck).
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation Thursday morning 22/09/2022: Assist a member in a 7 metre runabout with a broken engine at Hook Reef.
A day set aside to remember a Monarch. A phone call at 10.30 and a trip out to the outer barrier reef to assist a broken down vessel and its crew. This was to be the first of many activations on a day which started out picture perfect.
At the sound of my emergency ringtone, I wondered where we would be going today and Bill cleared up that question with the info that we had a member in a 7 metre runabout with a broken engine at Hook Reef. He had GPS coordinates and would relay them once the crew were aboard VMR1.
Uniform shirt on and my list of todays jobs left on the kitchen table I told my wife we would be out for possibly 6 hours, hmmmmmm. Change of plans time for her too.
It didn’t take long for my crew of James, Ross and Pauline to get to Coral Sea Marina VMR1 to do our prestart checks, plot our destination and head out to sea.
I had to apologized to the crew as I defended my position at the helm. My skipper’s certificate is coming up for re-validation so I needed the hours behind the wheel so sorry, but no driving training today.
Conditions were perfect as we headed out at 24knots. Flat seas with almost no breeze and no cloud. Twice we saw Marlin feeding close by as we passed bait-balls on the surface. Truly amazing watching these beautiful creatures leap out of the water and splash down using their bills to stun their prey.
We located our target and were rafted up beside them doing the necessary paperwork within 2 hours of casting of from our berth. Soon we were towing them at 18 knots back toward the Whisper Bay boatramp.
Dodging huge cargo carriers as we cross the main shipping channel is normal, today we had to avoid a yacht under full sail, obviously with an auto-helm engaged as it steered a path between VMR1 and the vessel we had on the other end of our tow line. We could see no-one was on deck to see us or our warning flag and no-one bothered to look out when we sounded our horn loud and long.
As we progressed past North Molle Island we were advised that we had a multiple medivac from Hamilton Island as well. Now we were orchestrating a possible hand-over of our tow to Whalesong VMR2 while we went to Hamilton Island. A decision was made for us to continue as we were, and VMR2 would do the medivac, but we would transfer one of our crew to her as we refuelled at Coral Sea Marina. Pauline volunteered to do the double duty, so we farewelled them at the dock as we moved back to our normal berth in time for our regular Thursday evening training session. Todays lesson, towing. The trainees would get a realtime appreciation as it turned out with another activation.
Thanks again to our crew for donating 5 hours of their time each, as well as their skills to assist some people in trouble.
Crew: James Roberts, Ross and Pauline Vlismas.
Until next time, your Skipper: Ron Roberts.
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Activation Thursday afternoon 22/09/2022: VMR2 Medivac Hamilton Island
A day like any other, blue skies, upper level clouds, high UV warnings and the 24/7 emergency phone holder calling to warn of an impending Medivac from Hamilton Island. There was some juggling of crew and changing requirements; two patients to be evacuated, both ambulatory, more on this later. Our paramedic arrived; this stout fellow had the experience of a lifetime with us on his first activation over water, very rough conditions causing seasickness, not a pleasant time. We joked as we reminisced about that particular journey.
We launched Whale Song VMR2, with Pauline as crew and our paramedic, and headed for Pioneer Rocks. A northerly wind was blowing making any transit of Molle Channel and Whitsunday Passage bumpy, as we cleared the Rocks, the enormity of the task soon became very clear, we were in for a pounding, the seas rough, wind against tide and a very a challenging headwind. As we progressed, the conditions deteriorated, we slowed, no good, we speeded up, not much better, there was no satisfying Neptune today!
Our paramedic was quickly calling his co-workers and administrators, detailing the conditions and the less than ideal situation we found ourselves to be in; a change of plan – take our paramedic to Hamilton Island and have the patients transported by ferry to Shute Harbour then ambulance to Proserpine hospital. A far less painful and likely less intimidating journey. As we approached the usual docking position we were confronted with a lack of dock space, fortunately the vessel blocking our mooring vacated the spot and we sent our paramedic on his merry way, grateful for the experience but very happy to be ashore!
Our return journey was a little less challenging, same wind, same tide, but we were running more across the wind and not directly into the seas. With the journey behind us, I congratulated Pauline on completing her first activation on Whale Song VMR 2. We completed the refuelling, wash down and paperwork still in daylight (a most pleasant change).
Crew: Pauline Vlismas
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation Thursday early evening 22/09/2022: Thursday towing training for real.
It was Thursday VMR training day, I (Ken) was also doing some maintenance for VMR 1. 15:54 my emergency phone is ringing. This is not good, as 16 of the crew will be arriving before 16:30 for training.
It was Bill, one of our dedicated 24 hour phone holders. Bill explained that a 22 foot Mustang was requiring a tow from Langford Reef. They were safe on a mooring at this time. Well, that was good news, this was not life threatening.
As it turned out, some of the crew had decided to come down early, for a run through the equipment. James decided to give me a hand on maintenance, while the others drifted in.
Our training was to be towing and everything associated with it. So, I suggested to the crew that they should come and train on a real towing exercise.
We now had 11 onboard, so I decided to get underway. I asked Bruce if he would send out messages to the rest of the crew stating we had a call out and so training was cancelled.
16:15 Coral Sea Marina VMR 1, with James on the helm, headed for Langford Reef. 17:10 we arrived and there was our target vessel on the mooring. We rafted alongside to commence the paperwork which Debbie was in charge of. We had a mixture of regular crew and also some first timers. This is an excellent way to learn on activation. The crew connected the tow line and made ready for our departure.
17:30 we were on our way, heading for the sailing club. The deck crew were in good hands with Shane and Paul B organising them. 18:50 Everyone working together, our target vessel was placed on the end of the sailing club dock.
James then backed out of this very shallow area and headed for Coral Sea Marina. 19:05 all lines secured, fenders stored and paper work complete we headed for home.
Thank you to all crew, both old and new.
Skipper: Ken Bryce
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Activation 25/09/2022: Medivac from Hayman Island and Gould reef tow back to Dingo Beach.
Sunday morning 08:50 my (Ken) emergency phone was ringing. It was Sandy from our radio base. Sandy had multiple radio calls for help all happening in rapid succession. I was targeted, as her first pressure relief valve.
We have a breakdown in Solway pass.
We have a flat battery at another position.
We have a medivac from Hayman with severe abdominal pains.
Quite a list and it was not even 09:00 yet!
Okay, suggest you get Paul and crew to attend the flat battery with Whale Song VMR2. I will take a crew and the paramedic to Hayman Island. The vessel in Solway was safe so not as urgent. Thankyou Sandy, doing a great job.
Our paramedic was to be on the vessel at 09:30. Shane, Mike and I headed to Coral Sea Marina VMR1 to do the startup. Paul M and Donna were also there waiting on the latest news from their target vessel. Thay had Whale Song ready to move.
09:25, we departed Coral Sea Marina with Shane on the helm, heading for Hayman Island. Conditions were perfect, arriving at Hayman 10:25. The patient was immediately settled on our stretcher with the paramedic taking care.
We departed at 10:32 on a flat sea arriving at 11:28 in CSM. The patient was transferred to the waiting ambulance, while VMR1 moved to the fuel dock, behind VMR2. 11:40 refuelled. Well done Shane.
We had already been asked to immediately proceed to Gould reef. There was a non-member broken down and adrift. 11:50 we departed for Gould reef. Sea conditions were excellent with a North Easter 5 to 10 knots. Along the way I handed over to Shane once more, while I had a drink and some food. Mike was monitoring the Flir for whale sightings.
13:26 we arrived at our target vessel. How nice is it when a vessel gives you an accurate position. We made a slight correction for drift and there they were. Shane placed us alongside, Mike was handling the bow line and preparing the tow-line while I organised the paperwork.
13:42 we were underway to Dingo Beach. It was going to be the bottom of the tide when we arrive there. Not good for VMR1. 15:30 we launched our tender, I secured it alongside the broken down vessel and proceeded to what was left of the channel into Dingo. We did not get very far. The owner decided to anchor where he was and wait for the incoming tide.
15:40 VMR1 was heading to Coral Sea Marina. 16:40 we refuelled. Back to our pen, wash down finalise paperwork and off home at 16:59
It was a long day.
Well done to the Radio officer and crew.
Crew: Senior – Shane Newell, Comms – Mike Doney
Skipper: Ken Bryce
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Activation 25/09/2022: Tow from Hamilton Island
We began the day with a fishing excursion to Funnel Bay, darn it, forgot the bug spray!! Mites, bites, all on land and barely a nibble on the bait. Ok, ok, I shall retire to the beach area and try my luck there. I fulfil the meaning of fishing, no catching on my watch! Let’s not waste the day, tally ho; water the garden, pull those weeds, eat breakfast and engage in some meaningful activity was my goal. From the back of the car I could hear my phone toning, only minutes from home, it can wait. Quick, grab your gear, we have an activation!
From an early morning call to arms, stand down, wait, wait, wait. Good heavens, this reminds me of my Army days!! The vessel had some engine problems and was not in danger, a Good Samaritan gave them a tow to Hamilton Island. Oh well, no harm done, at least they can get help there. Them getting help was just as successful as my fishing excursion. So deja vu all over again! Off we go in Whale Song VMR2. The conditions were perfect, a light breeze, gentle swell, a perfect day to be on the water, we proceeded to Hamilton Island.
Arriving at Hamilton Island we are greeted by the sight of a relatively small runabout tied to a very impressive yacht and an anxious fisherman and his mate so happy to see us. We had paperwork done in a flash, lines fastened fore and aft and we were off at a moderate 5 knots. Once outside the leads we positioned the tow hook let out a good length of tow line, securely tied the Lightermans Hitch and off we went, bound for Shute Harbour.
The wind, tide, daylight and Neptune all smiled upon our passage, we arrived in Shute Harbour, again securing the vessel along side and made our way to the boat ramp, a quick farewell and off to Coral Sea Marina for a well deserved refuelling, wash down and final check of instrumentation and paperwork. All locked up and secure. Time for dinner!
Thanks to my trusted crew person Donna, who handled the lines, tow line, paperwork, communications and camera.
Crew: Donna Deegan
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation 29/09/2022: Medivac from Hayman Island
Another Thursday slowly drifted into Friday, sleep had overcome me; working on Whale Song VMR2 in the morning, managing to lose my phone overboard in the process, get the boat phone on VMR2 to charge (amazing what a new charging cable will achieve), an activation to Tongue Bay to corral a drifting yacht (which was cancelled as we were passing Hook Island) and attend crew training in the afternoon and evening, a quietly busy day.
Bill, our 24/7 Emergency Phone Holder quickly roused me from my slumber, a medic from Hayman Island; rubbing the sleep from my eyes, good heavens, it’s only just Friday!! Bill assembled a crew for me, the paramedic was soon on the scene, completed the pre departure checks on Coral Sea Marina VMR1 and off we went into the night. The sky was brilliant, stars glistened as the moon had not yet risen, a breeze at 5 to 10 knots from the southeast was a pleasant relief, seas were calm. Once clear of the mooring field I handed over the helm to Paul B. Barry L. was our communications officer, busy with a call to VTS (Vessel Tracking Service) Whitsunday and chatting with our assigned paramedic for the trip.
Arriving at Hayman Island marina, one of the security team was signalling with a torch to where we were to dock. As we approached the finger, the torch bearer moved from my front to my left, apparently he wanted a port side berthing, ok. We soon docked and secured lines and our paramedic was quickly off to do his thing. After a time there was movement, a stretcher with patient aboard, paramedic supervising. The security gentlemen were more than capable of moving the patient, only problem was that the deck of VMR1 is a little crowded with a ladder, generator set and Samson post; we mere humans of standard size were able to be of assistance now. The patient now secure, we were able to commence the return journey.
Our patient was experiencing severe back pain, so I needed to afford the poor gentleman as smooth a ride as possible, therefore I maintained a steady 16 knots for the journey; the transit was smooth and the patient was in good spirits upon arrival at Coral Sea Marina. We quickly effected the transfer to the awaiting stretcher, Paul B. H helped carry some of the equipment to the ambulance as Barry L. and I attended the refuelling. Soon all was complete.
My thanks to my crew, good job and a pleasure to have aboard. I arrived home to a hot cup of coffee and a piece of toast!
My phone was retrieved from the salty locker, still on, still working after 24 hours submerged. It is now in a rice bed, drying.
Crew: Paul Bloomfield, Barry Lake
Skipper: Paul Martin
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Activation 29/09/2022: Double header on a dark and stormy night.
01:10 the wee hours of Thursday morning, my (Ken) emergency phone rang, which was not supposed to be ringing, as I was not on duty. Well, I eventually answered it. Bill, our 24 hour phone holder was on the line explaining about two vessels tangled up in Tongue Bay. “Okay, find me a crew”.
I headed to Coral Sea Marina VMR 1 and there was Shane, Michel and Paul B completing the start-up procedure. 01:20 we departed for Tongue bay with Shane on the helm.
Conditions were 15 to 20 knots from the South, making the sea conditions lumpy.
02:32 we entered the bay to locate our target vessels. A quick call and we had them with their navigation lights on and easily found. The vessels had separated themselves, our target was dragging anchor with the stronger wind that had sprung up.
Once secured alongside, I boarded the vessel to retrieve their anchor which was not holding. They did have adequate chain down, I guessed that the anchor may be fouled. After retrieving their anchor I reset it. We then cast off to see if all was going to be satisfactory. 03:45 Everything was fine, we said good-bye and headed towards Coral Sea Marina.
Again with Shane on the helm, the sea conditions had deteriorated. 05:05 as we were approaching Pioneer rocks I heard VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) calling all ships with regard to an EPIRB activation. I asked them if they wished us to stand by. The answer was in the affirmative. Moments later VMR 1 was given the co-ordinates of the stricken vessel. This was approximately 37 nm towards Hook reef. The weather had now changed as we headed to open water. VTS kept us informed of any changes to the position of our target vessel. VMR 1 was racing through the black night.
Shane was on the helm assisted by Michel. Paul and I were below calculating our eta to the target. Michel came below looking like a drowned rat. He was totally soaked from head to toe. Paul and I were shocked as we had not heard the rain. I suggested to Michel that he change his clothes. We went up to the bridge to see Shane also soaked. Time for a change of helmsman. Paul and I settled in and the rain was gone. Perfect timing.
06:15 we had our target nearby. The sea conditions were atrocious. Their vessel was completely out of control as the wind and sea flogged them. I decided the only way to get the tow line to the stricken vessel was via monkey fist. After a quick briefing Shane heaved the line towards our target. It was absolutely perfect. Considering the conditions I was amazed as the line arced towards the target, landing perfectly. The screams of delight and thanks from our target told of the terror they had gone through. As the crew let out our tow line and instructions were given to the only remaining standing occupant on the target vessel, VMR moved off the required distance.
06:25 We were heading for Coral Sea Marina with Paul B on the helm. The crew were taking turns on the helm. The sea conditions were so bad that we could only manage to tow the vessel at 4 knots. She was burying her bow and twisting violently. As time passed by we managed to increase speed to 5.5 knots this was going to be a very slow painful trip to the marina. Just outside the marina we dropped the tow and our target under their own power proceeded to the Public dock.
Fantastic! I for one, was definitely ready for home. 11:15 We were in our pen going through the motions of completing paper work, advising the Police that all was well.
A big thankyou to my crew, 10 hours in a washing machine was not fun.
Also many thanks to VTS for keeping an eye on us. Safety is paramount.
Well done, great effort by all.
Senior Crew: Shane Newell and Michel del Aguila
Crew: Paul Bloomfield
Skipper: Ken Bryce
Activation 28/09/2022: Medivac in the wee small hours
It was 01.20 and the emergency ring tone woke me. Certainly Bill, what is happening? Yes, a medivac from Hamilton Island, of course, I’ll just put the uniform on and head down to Coral Sea Marina and prepare VMR1 for a little trip.
It wasn’t long before Michel and Ross joined me and we had everything ready for departure. 01.58 saw us leaving the marina, paramedic aboard and heading into a very dark but peaceful morning.
Once we had berthed in Hamilton Island our patient came down on a stretcher and was settled on board, but wait, the island based paramedic drove off into the distance saying we might have a couple of extra patients. Okay.
A little while later he returned with two young men holding sick bags. I don’t think flat seas were going to make a difference for these two poor lads.
A quick trip back to Airlie Beach and the waiting ambulance was punctuated by the frequent sounds of those bags being fully utilized. Oh dear.
After our usual re-fuel, return to berth, washdown and paperwork, we were all off to proceed with our day by 05.25.
Senior Crew: Michel del Aguila
Crew: Ross Vlismas
Skipper: Ron Roberts
Activation 28/9/2022: Land-based South Molle activation
Get your skates on, said Bill when I answered the 24hr emergency ring tone at 18.28. Okay Bill, you talk while I put the shirt on.
Reports of an explosion and fire on-shore at Bauer Bay, South Molle Island. Police were on their way over in their RiB, we were to wait for two paramedics and then follow and take instruction from the water police.
We departed Coral Sea Marina at 19.00 after our checks were completed. We had quickly launched our tender and checked it’s state of readiness, then recovered and stowed it on deck.
We powered out into a moderate Northerly breeze, expecting it to be a bit uncomfortable in the North facing bay we were heading for. Just as we were lining up to transit through Unsafe Passage, we received a stand-by message from QAS that their paramedics had been stood down, no casualties reported by the water police. A little radio communication and we were notified that VMR assistance was no longer required, so with a stand-down at 19.30 we returned to base for paperwork and, washdown and home.
Thanks to Shane who was on his third activation for the day, Debbie and Brie for their time and skills.
Crew: Shane N, Debbie S and Brie S
Skipper: Ron R