Eden Gains First Marine Rescue NSW Rescue Vessel

Marine Rescue NSW expands with new rescue boat operating out of Eden

Rescue services provided by Marine Rescue NSW have expanded with a rescue boat operating out of Eden for the first, providing greater protection to boaters on the NSW-Victorian border.

“The Marine Rescue Eden volunteers have provided a valuable marine radio service to boaters on the Far South Coast since the late 1970s. This expansion of their service means boaters on our southern waters will be safer than ever,” said NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott.

The boat is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded from the $37.6 million the NSW Government has invested in Marine Rescue NSW over four years.

Elliott said MRNSW would continue to work closely with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, which operates the large ocean-going launch, Falcon, from Eden.

“This new resource means that together the two agencies can provide an even higher level of service to their local community,” he said.

The unit will also gain a second base as part of its expansion, establishing a new waterfront base in the former NSW Maritime building at the Port of Eden. This will provide a ready room to ensure crews can deploy as quickly as possible to respond to emergencies, along with training facilities.

Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Stuart Manson said the expansion of the unit’s services was an exciting new development for its volunteers.

“Our volunteers provide a first-class marine radio service, monitoring the airwaves for distress calls from boaters in trouble, not only on our coastline but also across Bass Strait, thanks to the upgraded radio technology and infrastructure MRNSW has installed in recent years,” he said.

“This is a great milestone for our unit. We’re looking to increase our membership so we can make sure we’re ready to respond whenever we get a call for help. We are encouraging members of the community to come on board to help us save lives.”