Marine Rescue Point Danger

17/06/2026

16/06/2026

Crews are fired up and ready to go as Marine Rescue Point Danger takes part in Exercise Mud Crab today!

The exercise is run by Gold Coast Airport and is designed to test emergency response capabilities involving a significant incident at the airport.

Today we’ll be working alongside fellow emergency services in a simulated major aircraft incident in Cobaki Creek, off the runway at Gold Coast Airport.

Our unit is well equipped to assist in these circumstances, with two jet skis and a purpose-built low draft vessel capable of operating in shallow and challenging waterways.

14/06/2026

Over the weekend our volunteer rescue crew responded to 2 critical incidents in close proximity of the Tweed bar - in addition to a number of training and assessment exercises.

With significant swell and challenging tides, all crew and those rescued returned without injury (although some with emptier stomachs).

You can read more about the dive vessel assist and successful transfer of 13 people on this link https://shorturl.at/zb3m2

Thanks to our volunteer radio operators, rescue crew, vessel masters and friends at Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force and Surf Life Saving Queensland for your support on and off the water.

We are actively recruiting Volunteer rescue crew members and radio operators, with our next intake commencing training in August. Message us to find out more information.

13/06/2026

Yesterday afternoon, our Radio Operations crew received a call for assistance that required both of our rescue vessels to respond to a vessel just outside the Tweed Bar with 13 people on board.

A dive vessel had experienced engine trouble and was unable to safely cross the bar. Volunteer crews aboard Point Danger 31 and Point Danger 20 responded, met the disabled vessel, and transferred the 13 passengers and crew onto our rescue vessels before returning them safely to shore.

With a low tide and challenging bar conditions at the time, it was assessed that the safest option was to delay towing the vessel until later in the afternoon when conditions improved on a higher, incoming tide.

The skipper remained on board the dive vessel and, under limited power, made his way to Cook Island where he safely moored while awaiting assistance.

At approximately 1630 hours, Point Danger 31 rendezvoused with the vessel and conducted a safe tow across the bar.

Our volunteers train regularly to respond to incidents like this one, in fact crews were out earlier in the day doing just that.

A big thank you to our volunteer crews and radio operators who gave up their afternoon to ensure everyone returned home safely.

If you would like to join our team at Marine Rescue Point Danger and train to assist in marine search and rescue operations, we'd love to hear from you.

Our next intake for Rescue Vessel Crew and Radio Operator training will commence in August, follow the link to make an application

https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer/apply-to-become-a-volunteer

03/06/2026

What an amazing rescue effort the other night by our friends at MR Marine Rescue Brunswick !

Great work by the crew of BR30.

28/05/2026

Tonight crew of Marine Rescue Point Danger headed out onto the Tweed River for some valuable night training, with both Point Danger 20 and Point Danger 31 on the water!

Night operations are one of the most challenging environments our crews face, it's not just dark, everything looks different. Distances are harder to judge, landmarks disappear, perceptions shift, and situational awareness takes on a whole new level of importance. After our recent heavy downpours, tonight also brought the added challenge of potential debris in the water, making sharp lookout and careful navigation even more critical than usual.

Our crews put all of that to the test, learning to configure the vessels for night ops and making full use of critical equipment including FLIR and Radar, tools that are absolutely essential once the sun goes down.

As if that wasn't enough beforehand, Skipper Guy and Training Officer Kel pulled out a couple of impromptu questionnaires on the IALA-A Buoyage System and Lights, Shapes and Sounds, keeping everyone on their toes and their knowledge sharp!

Great stuff!

Well done to all who were able to head out training tonight, and a huge shout out to Trish in Radio Operations for staying back late and keeping a watchful eye on the crew throughout the evening.

15/05/2026

Yesterday at 2pm, I had the honour and privilege of attending the Investiture Ceremony at Government House Queensland, where Nicole Lockie was officially presented with her Emergency Services Medal.

I was an invited guest alongside Nicole's parents, Catherine and David, and her boss Ian. We watched on with enormous pride while Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, conferred this well-deserved honour.

Nicole is one of only a handful of long serving female Coxswains in our organisation, the only female Coxswain in our unit and dedicated more than 24 years volunteering in maritime search and rescue services.

The Emergency Services Medal is a fitting tribute to Nicole’s commitment, courage, and dedication.

Nicole, we're all so incredibly proud of you. Congratulations!

Aaron Ashley
Unit Commander

Links to articles and video of the Investiture Ceremony at Queensland Government House
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B8Z5PZWft/
https://vimeo.com/event/5927639?fl=so&fe=fs
https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/news-media/news/long-serving-marine-rescue-nsw-volunteer-recognised-in-australia-day-honours-list

15/05/2026

Congratulations Nicole Lockie

05/05/2026

Our hearts are broken at the tragic loss of two of our fellow Marine Rescue Ballina crew members.

On behalf of all members at Point Danger, I extend our deepest thoughts and condolences to the loved ones and families of those involved, and to our friends and colleagues at Marine Rescue Ballina.

​Aaron Ashley
Unit Commander - Point Danger

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

20/04/2026

On Sunday, our Volunteer Rescue Crew performed simulated man overboard drills on board Rescue Vessel Point Danger 31, just off Kirra Beach.