June saw a change in the leadership of Coast Guard Noosa, with Ian Hutching retiring from the position of flotilla commander.
Lindsay Hall has taken over as the new commander and Michael Rose as the new deputy commander.
June saw an increase in boating traffic on and around the Noosa River, resulting in an increase of requests for assistance from members of the boating public.
The Noosa Bar has continued to cause issues for both experienced and inexperienced boaties, with lower-than-normal tides and the continuing shifting of sand, making the channels challenging to navigate.
Coast Guard Noosa had 13 requests for assistance during the month, an increase from the previous month.
Flotilla Commander Lindsay Hall said their notable assists included a houseboat which slipped its mooring and was aground on the northern side of the river, opposite the Yacht Club.
“We assisted the owner to re-anchor the vessel,“ he said.
“We were asked to assist a yacht that was caught in the shark nets. We managed to cut the vessel out, however, it had part of the net caught around its prop and we were unsure as to what damage it had sustained. The owner requested that we tow the vessel to Mooloolaba, which we did, handing the vessel over to Coast Guard Mooloolaba, just south of Peregian Beach.“
There have been a few retirements, a transfer and some Coast Guard members who are gravely ill.
“We are about to begin a membership drive, mainly for new radio members,“ Mr Hall said.
The Coast Guard Marine Assist Membership currently stands at 365 financial members and 380 vessels, which is an increase from last month.
The marketing committee is continuing to plan for a fundraising lunch on 26 September at Frenchies Restaurant.
Bookings for the event are now open at frenchiesbrasserie.com.au/events/coast-guard-2023
“There has been no new information pertaining to our incorporation into Marine Rescue Queensland,“ Mr Hall said.
“We are grateful to our small team of sponsors for their ongoing support of our service to the community and thank you for your ongoing support.“
