The Noosa Coast Guard have noticed a significant decrease in river traffic and vessels crossing the Noosa River Bar during February.
This has been confirmed by the refueling stations who have noticed similar reductions in sales this year.
Apart from fewer boats being on the river, the bar conditions were also unfavourable for smaller boats and, together with the weather, deterred some from venturing out.
Flotilla Commander Lindsay Hall confirmed they had 14 assists during the month, with jet skis suffering from mechanical issues and insufficient fuel being the cause for most requests for assistance.
On 13 February, they undertook an interesting assist off Teewah Beach.
“We were called to assist a single-handed sailing yacht that had declared a Mayday, 13 NM north of Noosa Bar off Teewah at around 1900 hrs.“
John Waddams and a crew of five were activated.
The yacht had engine problems and was struggling to keep off the shore in strong winds and seas averaging three metres.
After initial problems locating the vessel in the pitch dark and, despite briefly sighting a flare, they were rapidly on scene with the assistance of a SAR helicopter which found the vessel.
The vessel was taken in tow towards the south working well clear of the shore to reduce wave effects. The solo sailor on the yacht was unable to fully drop the sails due to fatigue and the conditions, which made the hook up challenging.
This resulted in a long tow which took over five hours, averaging around 4 – 5 knots for the duration.
During February, members of QF5 had the opportunity of meeting with Police Minister Mark Ryan and several senior executives from the Marine Rescue Implementation Team.
This meeting, together with several other meetings, provided members with updates on how the transition from Coast Guard to Marine Rescue Queensland would occur and the strategies that are being put in place to ensure that transition.
From the public’s point of view, it is very much business as usual.
At this stage, the new legislation will take effect on 1 July 2024, with the first flotillas transitioning around that date. The current expected transition date is set to be around February 2025 or slightly later.
The new Rotary Rescue’s hull has been completed, with delivery expected around late April or early May 2024.
The construction for the Coast Guard’s second vessel, Bendigo Rescue has now begun and hopefully it should be finished in May or early June 2024.
Once the vessel has been commissioned, the current Bendigo Rescue will be offered for sale to either another Coast Guard flotilla or to the public.
The John Waddams replacement is next in line for production and should start immediately after the completion of Bendigo Rescue. It is expected to be delivered with its new Airbirth around November or December 2024.
