VMR Whitsunday

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VMR Whitsunday

This is the official page for Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday. Our mission is primarily to save lives at sea.

This is the official page for Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday

06/06/2025

Activation 27/5/2025: VMR2 to the rescue - near Double Cone.

A beautiful day to be on the water; the call came in around 1330 hours, a tinny broken-down near Double Cone. We were soon on the way to Coral Sea marina, Mahesha was busy preparing VMR2 for departure. We arrived at 1355hrs and checks were completed, we departed at 1405 hours.

The seas were calm with a slight swell, a south easterly breeze at less than 10 knots and brilliant blue skies. The exact location was unknown, we did have a hull colour to go by and 2 persons on board. Both Donna and Mahesha were scanning the approached to Double Cone for any sign of a white hull. As we approached the precincts of the island, we found our progress stifled by a rocky shelf, the target vessel was tantalisingly close on the far side of the rocks! We were soon approaching the target; the fishermen were intent on catching the last fish as we secured their vessel to VMR2 at 1435hrs. The reef anchor stubbornly held the vessel fast, after a good struggle, the anchor submitted at 1445hrs.

The return trip was easy, the winds were calm, as we approached the lateral markers of Coral Sea marina a “Securite” call was received, informing us that the approaches to the marina were currently blocked by a grounded vessel occupying the middle of the channel. We proceeded with caution, luck was on our side, we managed to drive through the gap between the grounded vessel and the rock wall.

The tinny was delivered to the public jetty and we sought to refuel and complete our activation, refuelling completed by 1600hrs. Shutdown and paperwork completed by1615hrs.

The crew did an excellent job:
Donna D - Senior Crew, and Mahesha G - deck and lookout.

Paul M
Skipper

05/06/2025

Late evening Activation to Whitehaven Beach on 26/5/2025.

An evening of meetings was almost complete, when a phone call from Bill came in saying we had an activation to Whitehaven Beach. I guess it’s one way to hurry up and close the meeting - we have to go!! Meeting closed 1925.

A jetski had become stranded and the person in control was reluctant to ride the jetski with a passenger in the dark. A wise decision, the jetski had no navigation equipment and no night vision was available. The couple sought shelter on a vessel moored nearby. Those on the vessel were gracious and allowed the couple a place to rest until we arrived. With no reception at Whitehaven, Peter from the vessel radioed for assistance and VMR was contacted.

We arrived swiftly at Coral Sea Marina VMR1 - Bill (one of our Senior Crew) had arrived first and readied the engines and had the start up procedures well under control. Donna had a position and soon had a location plotted in bright pink - her chosen colour for breakdown vessels. Rodney arrived soon after and we ready to leave at 1940 - well done Crew!

The seas were moderate in places which it made for an interesting time, but we arrived at the top of the tide and had plenty of water under the keel. It was pitch black outside, the plotter and radar were our main resources. A smattering of anchor lights shone brightly in the darkness once we neared Whitehaven Beach. As we approached the target and made our presence known with our strobe light flashing, more lights were made available from the moored vessels.

With another vessel in front of our target moving around trying to anchor, we decided we would launch the tender and pick up the young jetski couple. Bill, Donna and Rodney prepared and launched the tender at 2120. Bill and Donna went and collected the grateful pair and we all acknowledged the fine efforts of Peter and his company aboard the asisting vessel for their good deed.

We were soon on our way. Homewood bound for Coral Sea Marina. The journey was slowed by the ebbing tide, but we still managed to do 19 t0 20 knots. Arriving at Coral Sea Marina at a tidy 2300 and discharged the passengers into the care of Senior Crewman, Bill who volunteered to drive them to Port of Airlie to retrieve their vehicle - thanks Bill!

Those of us remaining undertook the refuelling, housekeeping, shut down and wash down - all completed at 2330. Home by midnight!

Thanks to the dedicated crew:

Donna D. - Senior Crew,
Bill H. - Senior Crew assisting, and
Rodney S. - Lookout and deck crew.

A really good team!

Paul M
Skipper

02/06/2025

Activation 24/05/2025: Saturday night prop wrap rescue.

Saturday night, I am the duty skipper, my emergency phone is calling me. Bill, one of our dedicated 24-hour phone holders is on the line explaining that a 50 foot power vessel has her props wrapped in a mooring. Unfortunately, our diver was not available to assist with this rescue. The stricken vessel had young children on board and a younger child at home awaiting the arrival of Mum and Dad.

Okay, I am on my way, please gather a team for me. When I arrived at Coral Sea Marina VMR1 the crew had completed the startup procedure, so we were ready to go. 18:25 we departed for Sandy Bay with Bill on the helm. The first thing I noticed as we powered up, was the extremely black night.

With all eyes peering into the black and our Radar running, VMR1 made haste to the stricken vessel. Sea conditions were in our favour. 18:55 we arrived, rafted up to assess the situation.

There was a little girl, face peering out a hatch, very excited, explaining all the details of what had happened and that we had come to rescue them.

This was a melting moment, we all had a good laugh.

With Bill on the helm. Mahesha, Rodney and I set about trying to release the stricken vessel from the mooring. Mahesha and I boarded the stricken vessel to work from the duck board, Rodney at the stern of VMR1 to relay instructions to Bill and also hand over any equipment required.

I had Bill turning VMR1 on one engine, to bring the mooring close to the stern of the stricken vessel. The struggle continued for some time. The mooring line was just out of my reach from the stern of the vessel. I donned a mask so that I could peer into the water and hopefully reach the mooring line and actually see how it was caught.

Lots more manoeuvring and at 19:45, the mooring was at last free. There screams of joy and many thanks coming from everywhere.

This was now a danger for VMR1 and her twin propellors! I jumped onboard to take the helm while Bill, Rodney and Mahesha scanned the surface around us using our powerful torches. There was a shout, "reef marker close on port side". Another shout, "mooring and floating line starboard aft quarter". VMR1 is incredibly manoeuvrable, and in a calm, steady way we pivoted this way and then that way until we were all clear.

I asked the owner to start his engines and place each one in gear to check for vibrations. Starboard engine good, port slight vibration. Okay, we will tow you. It was now time to put the stricken vessel on tow and head for Port of Airlie. 21:05 in POA at their berth, we said goodbye and headed for Coral Sea Marina.

The thankyou calls were deafening and greatly appreciated.

21:35 Paper work completed, washed down and ready for home.

This was another exhibition of fine professional team work.

Thank you to my team,

Senior Crew: Bill H
Comms: Mahesha G
Deck Crew: Rodney S
Skipper: Ken B

31/05/2025

Activation 22/5/2025: Medivac from Hamilton Island.

Bill, our 24/7 phone holder insists on calling me before my morning coffee, perhaps I should be counting my lucky stars that an opportunity is handed to me on a bright, sunny morning. We were quick off the mark and made it to Coral Sea marina before the paramedic arrived. Once aboard, we let go the lines, gave 3 horn blasts and departed the dock at 0720hrs.

Rodney was standing by and thinking he might be a lookout, no Rodney, you are on the helm. Even at this hour, training of the crew is still important, polishing their skills in case of an emergency where the skipper is disabled, to be capable of returning the vessel to the marina. He was doing a good job as we passed through Unsafe Passage, entering Whitsunday Passage and heading to Fitzalan Passage enroute to Hamilton Island Marina. He passed the helm duties over once we entered the marina, as he had deck duties to attend, we arrived at 0825hrs.

I was informed that the “Drop Zone” was partially clear, but that there was sufficient space for VMR1 to dock; OK, time for some of that close quarter manoeuvring skills to be utilised. Once docked, our paramedic assisted the patient from the stretcher onto VMR1 along with her husband, thus the return journey was commenced. The patient was on Hamilton Island celebrating her 60th wedding anniversary with her husband. We departed the marina at 0835hrs.

Once clear of the parked vessels, Donna took the helm and safely made the trip back to Coral Sea marina arriving at 0945hrs, discharging the patient and paramedic and the husband. We did all the shut down procedures, as Rodney assisted the paramedic push the stretcher up the ramp to the ambulance. An important job well done! All completed by 1000hrs.

Many thanks to the crew:
Donna D - Senior Crew, and Rodney S - Deck, lookout and Helm.

Paul M.
Skipper

30/05/2025

Activation 22/5/2025: Thursday training becomes real when it turns into a Medivac from Hamilton Island.

We were just wrapping up the MRQ Teams meeting when my emergency phone was ringing. Bill, one of our 24hour emergency phone holders was on the line. "We have a medivac, guess where from?" Hamilton Island would be my guess. "You are correct, departure 16:15". Okay, round up a crew. This was going to be easy as it was our regular Thursday training night.

Bill H. was with me, so I passed the message on to him. I meanwhile needed some food as lunch had missed the agenda. When I arrived, there was a buzz of activity, all systems were "go". The paramedics were donning their life jackets. I proceeded to the bridge on Coral Sea Marina VMR1, "cast off all lines please".

We had 5 crew, 2 paramedics, 1 trainee paramedic, great! I was going astern when I looked forward to see Burchy barrelling along the dock. Okay! Let's pick him up, "ready on the spring lines", as we pulled alongside. Maybe this time, going astern again, I had one final look toward the dock and there was Jade. Let's do this again, final call, "ready on the spring line!".

Now with everyone onboard we departed at 16:20. Sea conditions were very nice indeed. It was likely to get a little bouncy in the passage. I passed the helm to Mahesha, while I consumed my late lunch. 17:15 we had made great time to Hamilton island. The patient and family were on the dock as we arrived.

This was to be a combi-back board transfer to our Striker Stretcher.
Although we practice this regularly, we had some crew onboard that had not yet seen this done. As expected, everything proceeded like clockwork. The patient transfer onboard was easily managed by the VMR crew. Training in lifting and carrying a patient is part of our regular training regime. Including manoeuvring through our restricted door way. Some of our crew could be referred to as "elderly", however, they do not know the training, experience and tenacity of our crew.

17:30 we departed for Coral Sea Marina. The sea conditions good, for our patient. 18:30 we docked, the patient once again transferred to the waiting Ambulance Stretcher.

After refuelling, finalising the paperwork we were ready for home.

A big thankyou to all onboard, everyone taking on various roles. Well done crew.

Senior Crew : Bill H
Comms : Dick F
Senior Coxswain : Shane N
Deck Crew : Mahesha G, Dave B,
Trainee : Jade D
Skipper : Ken B

23/05/2025

Activation 21/5/2025: Vessel Assist - Chalkies Beach.

It doesn't happen often, but every now and then we know about an activation ahead of time. It's a nice break for our volunteers who usually get no warning and have to drop what they're doing at a moment's notice. Bill, our 24/7 emergency phone holder called mid-afternoon on the 20th and asked if I could do a tow job the next morning.

Bill explained that a large, 46' catamaran charter boat had a prop wrap at Chalkies Beach. I said I was available for the assist and Bill set about organising a crew for me.

We'd agreed to depart Coral Sea Marina at 0800, so I went down early to start the prestart checks and to enter details into a new computer-based program we have called Offshore SMS. I intended to do a "trial trip" for some practice in an attempt to get more proficient at it (before we start reporting that way for real). We've been using a paper Log and Activation Sheets reporting system for all time and it's a steep learning curve to now have to put all of this onto a computer screen.

Nat arrived first, then Donna and Rodney. We were ready early and departed at 0750. Recent activations had reported Whitsunday Passage to be anything from "moderately rough" to "downright ugly" during the past week. Even though the winds were reportedly less than previous days, we decided to head south after Pioneer Rocks to come across the Passage at the bottom of South Molle Island. It seemed to be working until we got half way across, heading for Fitzalin Passage and it turned a bit rough. Fitzalin gave us a small reprieve, but it was not to last. As we rounded Craig Point on Whitsunday Island and headed up to Solway Passage, we were in for a rough ride - yep, definitely "downright ugly"!

What a relief to see Whitehaven Beach and turn VMR1 north into more protected, calmer waters. We spotted our target vessel before long and were alongside around 0915. Due to conditions, Donna attached the heaving line to our towing bridle and threw it to the waiting men aboard the catamaran. They soon had it attached to their vessel's bow cleats and were under tow.

We headed north past Tongue Point, Peter Head and Dumbell Island before turning east into Hook Passage. Our trip back to Coral Sea Marina was a steady one, with this heavy vessel requiring a tow at just under 10 knots. We arrived outside the lateral marks at Coral Sea main channel at 1200 and waited for the charter company to send out their support team. The team arrived shortly after in their tender and we waited while they did a preliminary inspection of the catamaran. When they had things under control, they released our towing bridle and we were free to go.

VMR1 headed to the fuel dock, pump 3 as designated by Coral Sea Marina and began our typical shutdown procedures. Refueling completed, it was back to our N1 berth where life jackets were stowed, chart plotters, navigation equipment and batteries shut down, tow lines and vessel washed, paperwork completed, debriefing held with crew and vessel secured.

Thanks to the crew for a job well done.
Crew: Donna D, Nat R and Rodney S.
Skipper: Ray L.

22/05/2025

Activation 20/5/2025: Medical evacuation from Hamilton Island.

Just finished playing with the dogs and getting the chickens sorted for the day, my phone rings; Bill, our 24/7 phone holder calling, “did I wake you from a deep sleep, how about a trip to Hammo?” Like energiser bunnies, we hopped to it.

A brisk start to the day, very cool weather, clear blue sky with moderate winds and half metre swells pushed by the southerly wind. We arrived at Coral Sea marina to be greeted by Bill and Mike. We set about ensuring all was prepared for departure as we awaited the paramedic. As luck would have it, the paramedic arrived shortly and we were quickly away at 0725hrs.

Bill joined me at the upper helm as we manoeuvred towards open spaces. The transit to Hamilton Island was relatively fast given the sea conditions on Whitsunday Passage, we arrived at Hamilton Island Marina at 0830hrs. The patient and his mother were awaiting our arrival, a rapid conversation between paramedics and we were on our way back to Coral Sea marina with Bill on the helm.

The return journey was gratefully mundane, we arrived at N arm at 0935hrs, discharged the paramedics and passengers and returned to the fuel dock to refill our tanks, returned to N1 and completed the shutdown, debrief and wash down. All completed by 1025hrs.

My thanks to the crew:
Donna D - Senior Crew, Mike D - Senior Crew, and Bill H - Senior Crew and helmsman.

Paul M - Skipper

19/05/2025

Activation 17/5/2025: To Chance Bay, by chance?

Discussions about the adverse weather, the perceived lack of activations for the current month coupled with the challenge of learning a new format for a computer based system to replace the ship’s log and all facets of our seagoing exploits combined to make us feeling weary and most unloved. What we needed most was an activation! Eureka, a call from the Radio base brightened my day significantly; we are off to Chance Bay to tow a vessel with a problematic engine.

Donna equalled my enthusiasm and we were soon on our way to Coral Sea marina. Upon arrival Rodney was busy with preparations, Dave arrived just ahead of us and we were soon on our way, 1350hrs.

The conditions were near perfect, bright blue sky, light breeze from the southeast, seas were moderate and the tide was ebbing, Coral Sea Marina VMR1 was performing well at 24 knots. We received a latitude and longitude, Donna plotted the location. My brow furrowed as the location was nowhere near Chance Bay! I asked Donna to confirm the coordinates, hopefully it was an error in transmission. My original plan was scrapped, a new route was now in play; go through Fitzalan Passage to the north of Hamilton Island to a point near Surprise Rock... nothing, no vessel only a danger mark for the Rock!

“Donna, can you call the owner of the vessel and get a new lat and long please”....low and behold the new position is 3 nautical miles to our east, off we go. We were soon able to see the vessel and we approached as usual. The seas were relatively calm, the paperwork handed across to the adult aboard as Rodney was securing the tow hook, we were soon on our way to Coral Sea marina, 1515hrs. The vessel was an easy tow, up on the plane and homeward bound we go, Donna on the helm.

Our arrival to the lateral markers for Coral Sea marina coincided with the return of the pleasure craft brimming with their merry customers. I decided to raft up the towed vessel while waiting for the various craft to enter the marina. A Securite call was issued informing all craft in the vicinity to stay clear, as we were restricted in our ability to manoeuvre due to having another vessel tied to our starboard side. We proceeded to the public jetty only to find a vessel preparing to launch. We did our best to avoid the Hamilton Island ferry who was docking to discharge passengers, the vessels jockeying for position at the fuel dock and the fellow trying to launch his vessel, it was rush hour! Finally we were able to deposit our charges on the public jetty, refuel and complete our activation.

Many thanks to my crew who handled the activation well:

Donna D - Senior Crew,
Rodney S - Lookout/deck crew, and
Dave B - Comms.

Paul M - Skipper

13/05/2025

NOTICE TO MARINERS:
Issued by Townsville Maritime Region on 7 May 2025
Area: Abbot Point and Bowen pilotage areas
Locality: Abbot Point Pilotage area
Activity: Space Launch – Safety exclusion area

Mariners are advised that: Bowen Orbital Spaceport, Space vehicle launch has been scheduled for Thursday, 15 May 2025. Due to the nature of the endeavour, the specified launch window is from 0700hours to 1700 hours.

The actual time of the launch and the commencement of an active exclusion area will be broadcast on VHF channel 16, 12, 11 as follows
Launch – 6 hours. Initial alert, launch planned in 6 hours, safety exclusion area will be active in 5 hours.
Launch – 1 hour. Warning - safety exclusion area active, launch imminent in 1 hour, vessels must clear the area.
Launch – Count down commenced. Warning - safety exclusion area active - launch imminent, all vessels to remain clear of the safety exclusion area and space launch debris hazard area.
Launch + 30 minutes – All Clear - safety exclusion area deactivated.

In the event the launch does not proceed as scheduled on Thursday 15 May 2025, a launch attempt will be made each day between 0700 hours to 1700 hours until Monday 19 May 2025.

Launch information and updates will be provided at Missions | Gilmour Space (gspace.com) Launch Information Recorded line +61 7 56189043 Launch Information will be broadcast on VHF channel 16, 11 and 12

Mariners are advised to remain clear of an active safety exclusion area, the space launch debris hazard area and to navigate with extreme caution.

Refer to notice: 173 of 2025
Cancel notice:
AUS charts affected: AUS 255, AUS 826, AUS 4060
ENC Cells affected: AU5ABP01, AU320148, AU320149

Latitude and longitude positions are on WGS84 horizontal datum and are compatible with GDA2020 datum.
For further information about this notice, please contact:
The Townsville Regional Harbour Master’s office:
Phone 07 4421 8100 Email: [email protected]

Notice authorised by: Regional Harbour Master (Townsville) - Maritime Safety Queensland

12/05/2025

NOTICE TO MARINERS: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will be conducting planned burns on the following islands: Haslewood Island, Lupton Island, Teague Island, North Molle Island & Gloucester Island from 1200 Wednesday 14 May 2025 to 1200 Friday 06 June 2025.

11/05/2025

Vale Ryan Cunningham. Past Skipper, Active Member and Sponsor of VMR Whitsunday. Ryan died in a road accident late last year. Ryan was a valued part of our team at VMR Whitsunday. Over the years of his association with us he volunteered as an Active Member who helped man our Rescue Vessels as Crew and then as a Skipper.

He later continued to support us as a Sponsor (when he was proprietor of Davies Cranes). He provided free crane service to help construct the new upstairs base extension for VMR at the Whitsunday Marine Club and also helped with some maintenance jobs. VMRW greatly appreciated Ryan's support.

On the weekend Ryan's family, together with some of his VMRW friends and crew went out on VMR1 and were reminded of times on the water with him. RIP Ryan.

10/05/2025

Activation 7/5/2025: Charter boat with prop wraps in Sandy Bay.

Michael rang at 18.45 on the 6th to organise a trip to Sandy Bay on South Molle. A Charter boat had wrapped a mooring rope round its prop, and we were to take the diver, Rob, out to sort it. Because of the tide and Rob having other things to do, we had a 6am departure.

We got away at 06.15. punching into a solid South Easter with rain to spice it up. We got Rob to the vessel quickly and launched Mahesha and our tender to assist him whilst VMR1 went to an adjacent mooring to observe the proceedings.

The Charter boat was effectively moored by its prop meaning that its stern faced the wind and tide. The Charterer had managed to get some lines round the mooring buoy and back to the boats sheet winches to take all the load off the mooring rope. If the boat had hung by its prop all night, the mooring rope would have kept tightening to the point Rob would have had to take drastic measures to untangle it all.

After a while Rob had the mooring rope free, the Charter boat moored by the bow, and the engine and gearbox run to check for damage. It all looked and sounded OK so everyone, including the Charter Company. They were happy for the Charterers to continue their trip.

We dropped our mooring and went alongside the charter boat to do the paperwork, load Rob, his gear and our tender on board and then headed back to CSM at 07.20. A quick fuel up then back to the pen for a wash down and tidy.

Thanks to a good crew. Very professional.

Crew: Bill H, Mahesha G, Nat R.
Skipper: Geoff S.

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+61749467207

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http://www.vmrwhitsundays.com.au/

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Saving Lives in the Whitsundays

Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsunday is a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation, and is part of VMR Queensland. The main objective is to save life at sea. Our operations base, training venue, radio base and social venue are located at the Whitsunday Marine Club in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale Our rescue vessel is located at Abell Point Marina, with a berth offered free of charge by Abell Point Marina, our Platinum Sponsor.

VMR members are entitled to one FREE assist tow a year (limitations apply) and subsequent assist tows are then available at half price. It’s easy to join as a member and for boat owners, it’s cheap insurance!

Out of our general membership, we have about 50 active personnel who staff the radio base, fund-raise, crew our vessel, manage the organisation and every other necessary role. Our volunteers, come from all walks of life including commercial skippers, accountants, retirees, business owners, helicopter mechanics and much more. Join our diverse group of volunteers today and be part of this unique professional team.

For more information on VMR Whitsunday, download the VMR key facts sheet (PDF).