Marine Rescue Queensland - Victoria Point

20/10/2026

Over near the shopping complex at Victoria Point, there's a blue and white sign pointing towards the bay. It reads "Air Sea Rescue".

It sometimes generates a bit of confusion amongst locals, since there's no Air-Sea-Rescue organisation nearby.

However, MRQ Victoria Point's story began around 1982 as VH4EFD, Air Sea Rescue Brisbane & Redlands District.

Over the years, names, uniforms and vessels have all changed. The organisation ultimately becoming part of Marine Rescue Queensland in November 2024; but the tradition of local volunteers looking after people on Moreton Bay stretches back more than four decades.

Ian Fischer, one of the unit's very early members, recently shared some fantastic photographs from those earlier years. They include Red Eagle, VP2 ("Ducky"), and VP1 - boats that helped build the capability we have inherited today.

Ian remembers VP2 as the first new boat the unit ever received. Later came VP1, replacing "Red Eagle". He recalls just how much work went into getting that boat and how excited the members were when it finally arrived; particularly since the community gambling fund also financed a shiny new tractor for the unit.

The vessels currently carrying the Victoria Point callsigns VP21 and VP31 are another generation in that long line, carrying forward the "VP" prefix that has been applied to generations of Victoria Point rescue boats.

And perhaps that's what these old photographs capture best.

Boats eventually get replaced. Equipment improves. Organisations and callsigns evolve. But with every change, the responsibility is handed on to the next crew: look after the boats, look after each other, and be ready when somebody on the water needs help.

One crew maintains and operates a vessel before eventually handing that responsibility to the next generation. Older boats make way for newer and more capable ones. Experienced members teach newer members. And the stories, knowledge and commitment built up along the way become part of the unit itself.

From Air Sea Rescue Brisbane & Redlands District, to VMR Victoria Point, to MRQ Victoria Point - we are fortunate to have inherited a long and vibrant history.

These photos are a reminder that today's crews are simply the latest custodians of something Victoria Point volunteers have been building since 1982.

Our thanks to Ian Fischer for opening the photo album and helping us remember where we came from. There's plenty more history tucked away in photo albums around the Redlands, and we'd love to see it.

Same community. Different Boats. More than four decades of service.

20/10/2026

B Roster was on duty at Marine Rescue Victoria Point over the weekend of 17 and 18 October, with both days providing plenty of opportunities for crew development, practical training and building local area knowledge.

Saturday started ashore with trainee crew working through charting and area knowledge for Areas A and B. Later in the morning, VP21 headed out for a three-hour training and patrol run.

Once on the water, the crew put that knowledge into practice, with the vessel logs recording navigation through Prices Passage and around Potts Point, along with a man overboard exercise. Several crew induction activities were also completed during the day, making Saturday a useful combination of classroom learning and practical experience on the bay.

Sunday saw both VP21 and VP31 active again. VP21's morning training included stand-off exercises and a range of practical drills, while VP31 was used for Area B familiarisation training. Three training and patrol activities were undertaken across the two vessels during the day.

In the afternoon, VP21 headed into the Logan River for further training, providing another opportunity for crew to develop their skills and experience operating across the varied waterways within our area.

The weekend also demonstrated the way our volunteers support one another across different rosters, with Kim, Martin and Josh coming in on Sunday to support B Roster and help keep the day's activities running.

With no emergency assists recorded across the weekend, crews were able to make good use of the quieter operational period to strengthen practical skills, develop newer members and improve familiarity with the waterways in which we operate.

12/10/2026

A Roster was on duty at Marine Rescue Victoria Point over the weekend of 10 and 11 October, with plenty happening both on the water and in the community.

Saturday included crew training and operational activities, with VP31 heading across to Raby Bay for refuelling and area familiarisation. The day also included training and assessment activities and an SSSS course, with variable conditions and some fresh north to north-westerly winds adding to the experience for crews on the water.

Sunday saw both VP21 and VP31 back on the water for an extensive programme of training and assessment. Crews practised vessel handling, reversing, S-turns, figure eights, shallow-water manoeuvring and man overboard drills. VP21 also conducted anchoring exercises at Horseshoe Bay before undertaking a simulated steering failure exercise and travelling through the lower Logan River, including a look at the new boat ramp at Wallaby Road.

At the same time, many of our volunteers swapped rescue vessels for barbecue tongs, raffle tickets and gate duty for the Marine Rescue Victoria Point Boaties Market at Victoria Point State School.

The Boaties Market has been part of the Redlands community for more than 20 years, bringing together new and used boating, fishing, camping and outdoor gear, with everything from a fishhook to a cruiser on offer. Sunday’s market was a great success, with more than 68 stalls and plenty of visitors through the gates.

Getting an event of this size running takes a substantial volunteer effort. Marine Rescue Victoria Point members were busy managing the gates, cooking bacon and eggs, sausages and onions, assisting stallholders and visitors, and walking the grounds selling raffle tickets. The raffle also received support from Marine Care Redland Bay, Road Tech Marine, Bayside Boat Licencing, Bay Harmony and IGA Mount Cotton, along with Don and Sandra McGuire, who helped put together the prizes.

The Boaties Market is an important community fundraiser for Marine Rescue Victoria Point, helping support the work our volunteers undertake to promote safety and provide assistance on the waters around southern Moreton Bay.

Between a busy market ashore and training and assessment activities on the water, it was a full weekend for A Roster and the many other Victoria Point volunteers (and of course, those who attended!) who gave their time to support the market.

10/10/2026

Popping out on the bay after the boaties market tomorrow to test our your new toys?

You're in the safe hands of the A Roster crew.

131-MRQ, VHF 16 or 73, or just pop in to the base window, and day G'day to our friendly radio operator.

The sun will be shining, and birds will be singing - see you tomorrow at the boaties market!

06/10/2026

Marine Rescue Victoria Point volunteers were active across the King’s Birthday long weekend, with D Roster covering Saturday and Sunday before C Roster took over on Monday’s public holiday.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, crews maintained operational readiness through vessel handling, navigation, charting, anchoring and towing exercises across southern Moreton Bay. Training activities included stand-off manoeuvres, figure eights, S-turns, nose-on approaches, local area familiarisation and crew development activities, helping ensure volunteers remain prepared to respond safely and effectively when assistance is required on the water.

The long weekend also provided an opportunity for cooperation between neighbouring Marine Rescue Queensland units. VP visited Marine Rescue Raby Bay to share knowledge and demonstrate operational equipment. Raby Bay crews showcased their integrated vessel communications systems, while Victoria Point members demonstrated the vessel-deployed rescue drone and discussed its potential applications in marine rescue operations, including line delivery and assisting people in the water.

Monday’s King’s Birthday public holiday began with a community barbecue breakfast hosted outside the Victoria Point base by local Member of Parliament Rebecca Young. The event provided an opportunity for local boaties and visitors to meet with volunteers before heading out on the bay, enjoy a free breakfast and learn more about Marine Rescue Victoria Point and proposed improvements to local boating infrastructure.

Following the breakfast, C Roster crews conducted on-water training in both rescue vessels, undertaking vessel handling, anchoring, mooring, charting and navigation exercises. During the afternoon, volunteers continued practical training with stand-offs, nose-on approaches, figure eights and S-turns, building capability across a range of weather and sea conditions.

Just as crews were concluding the day’s activities, VP31 was tasked to assist a disabled vessel between Peel Island and Coochiemudlo Island. The vessel had broken down while attempting to collect additional passengers from Peel Island. The crew responded, safely assisted the occupants and returned them to Cleveland.

Looking ahead, the Marine Rescue Victoria Point Boaties Market returns this Sunday 11 October at Victoria Point State School. Gates open to the public from 6am, with entry by gold coin donation. Visitors can browse boating, fishing and camping gear, enjoy breakfast from the barbecue, and speak with Marine Rescue volunteers about boating safety and the work undertaken by the unit. The market is operated by volunteers from Marine Rescue Victoria Point and remains one of the unit’s key community fundraising events.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Another visit to Apache Tyres to keep our vessel trailers ready to launch at a moment’s notice. 🚤
The saltwater environment is less than friendly to tyre valves and trailer components, so regular maintenance is essential.
The service we receive from Apache Tyres is always second to none. We highly recommend this great local company for tyre maintenance, repairs or new tyres.
Thanks again, Apache Tyres, for helping keep us ready to respond when needed! 👍

02/10/2026

Yesterday we were delighted to attend the opening of the new Coochiemudlo Coastcare Inc. Environmental Hub.
The MRQ Victoria Point Supporters Social Club is very proud to have supported this wonderful project by providing the funds for the Hub's new fence.

Our Supporters Club is all about giving back to the community. Through the generosity of people who support MRQ Victoria Point, we’re able to provide funding to other volunteer organisations and community projects doing great things across Redlands and the surrounding areas.

It was fantastic to see the Hub officially opened and to meet some of the dedicated volunteers behind Coochiemudlo Coastcare. 🌿

We’re proud to play a small part in helping local volunteers protect and improve our beautiful environment.
Congratulations to everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing the Hub put to good use! 👏

30/09/2026

C Roster was on duty at Marine Rescue Victoria Point over the weekend of 26 and 27 September. Activities included event support, training, vessel assists and a medical response.

Saturday saw crews conducting area familiarisation, boat handling and operational training across the bay. During the afternoon, VP21 responded to a report of a grounded jet ski near Pannikin Island. Upon arrival, the crew found the jet ski high and dry and unable to be safely reached from the rescue vessel. After assessing both the rider and the condition of the craft, the crew confirmed there were no immediate safety concerns. The rider elected to remain with the jet ski and wait for the rising tide to refloat it naturally - a boring, but uneventful process.

On Sunday, both rescue vessels supported local stand up paddleboard events, helping provide a safe environment for participants and other waterway users. Crews then undertook towing, rafting and man overboard exercises, along with local area knowledge training, ensuring skills remain current and ready for operational incidents.

The weekend's principal activation occurred on Sunday afternoon when VP21 was tasked to assist a 40-foot yacht that had run aground near the Platypus Wrecks. Working alongside Marine Rescue Redland Bay, volunteers assisted in refloating the vessel and returning it to safe water, allowing the occupants to continue their journey.

Shortly afterwards, VP21 responded to a medical emergency involving a jet ski operator in the channel off Victoria Point. Marine Rescue volunteers provided assistance and coordinated notifications until Queensland Ambulance Service personnel arrived and assumed responsibility for the patient's care.

The weekend also included routine vessel maintenance, refuelling, inventory checks and preparation activities to ensure Marine Rescue Victoria Point's rescue assets remain ready for service.

22/09/2026

Another busy and productive few days for Marine Rescue Victoria Point, with B Roster on duty across Moreton Bay over the weekend, followed by two after-hours emergency activations on Monday.

Saturday's excellent weather saw strong activity across the bay. While conducting training operations near the Merv Hazell Beacon, crews from VP21 and VP31 were tasked to investigate a vessel reported adrift near Macleay Island. The vessel was located and relocated to a Maritime Safety Queensland mooring, where it was secured until the owner could attend and repair their private mooring. Later in the day, crew aboard VP31 were treated to the sight of a pod of whales near Peel Island while returning from the tasking.

Sunday provided another active day on the water, with crews conducting out-of-area familiarisation and local area training throughout the southern bay.

The operational pace continued on Monday with two after-hours activations.

The first call involved a jet ski that had become stranded between Lagoon Island and Long Island. A crew was assembled and VP31 launched to assess the situation. After communicating with the skipper, it was determined that those onboard were safe and had adequate supplies. Due to tidal conditions preventing safe access to the stranded craft, plans were made to return later on a higher tide. Before the follow-up deployment was required, the skipper advised that they had successfully refloated the jet ski and were safely underway back to the ramp.

Later that afternoon, Marine Rescue Victoria Point was tasked to assist a 21-foot Haines Hunter near Tangalooma with two people onboard. The vessel had been taking on water and had subsequently suffered engine failure, leaving it unable to return home under its own power. While the crew was safe and at anchor, the vessel required assistance returning to Victoria Point. A crew was assembled and, working closely with Marine Rescue Sandgate, a coordinated response was developed. Sandgate's rescue vessel responded to the vessel while VP21 headed north to meet them coming south. Once on scene, Victoria Point crew took control of the disabled vessel for the return journey home, and vessel shutdown processes were completed around 7:30pm.

An important strength of Marine Rescue Queensland is the ability for neighbouring units to work together seamlessly. For decades, volunteer marine rescue organisations across Moreton Bay have supported one another regardless of whether they operated under the VMR, Air-Sea Rescue or Coast Guard banners. Today, having those units operating within a single statewide organisation makes coordination even simpler, ensuring the boating public receives the best possible assistance, regardless of which unit responds first.

The weekend also highlighted the continued growth and development of our members, with recent promotions and member progression helping strengthen the capability of Marine Rescue Victoria Point and ensuring we remain ready to respond whenever the community needs us.