Marine Rescue Queensland - Victoria Point

31/08/2026

C Roster had a productive weekend on the water, responding to three activations while continuing to maintain and develop operational readiness.

On Friday afternoon, an after-hours crew of Tim and Martin responded to a call for assistance from a tinny experiencing engine problems north-east of Coochiemudlo Island. VP31 was launched within 30 minutes of receiving the initial request, an impressive effort considering the need to identify crew, open the base, prepare the vessel and equipment, complete risk assessments and operational documentation, and launch the vessel - all on a workday. The stranded vessel and its occupants were safely recovered and towed back to Victoria Point.

On Saturday, VP31 was tasked to assist a jet ski aground at Coochiemudlo Island, successfully retrieving the vessel and towing it clear of the beach.

On Sunday, crews responded when a small vessel broke free from the pontoon at Victoria Point and began drifting while taking on water. The vessel was safely recovered and returned to the pontoon by the crew of VP31.

Between activations, volunteers completed navigation, vessel handling, towing and refuelling exercises, helping ensure our crews and vessels remain ready to respond when assistance is needed on Moreton Bay.

A reminder that the MRQ Victoria Point Boaties Market is coming up soon. If you're looking for marine gear, boating equipment or a bargain for your next day on the water, keep an eye on our page for event details and come down and support the event.

23/08/2026

B Roster took the reigns this weekend, and the team was able to focus on training and community engagement, since it was one one of those rare weekends when no emergency activations were required.

On Saturday, the unit saw a full car park despite the threatening weather.

State member for Redlands, Rebecca Young, visited the base to speak with the boating community about the MRQ pontoon project, which has the potential to significantly reduce activation response times for the MRQ VP unit, in times of peak boating activity.

Out on the water, the crew took VP31 for a training patrol in the southern bay area.
The highlight of the trip was a special visitor near Iron Stem, where a dolphin swam alongside the vessel before heading off.
Please keep an eye out for cetaceans in the southern bay - the area around VP has already had half a dozen humpback visitations this year, and we expect Peel Island to host more as the season progresses.

Sunday brought fantastic weather and favorable conditions across the bay.

The crew traveled to Manly Boat Harbour to assist in manning a MRQ information stall at the local fishing competition.
Later in the afternoon, VP31 was launched for local area training, vessel handling, and a patrol in the southern bay.

21/08/2026

17/08/2026

Being a member of Marine Rescue Queensland is not just about driving boats - there are roles for radio operators, asset coordinators, base secretaries, maintenance crews, training coordinators, and many more. Some of our crew at MRQ VP never set foot on a boat, but are valued just as highly as our most experienced skippers; and the experience gained volunteering with MRQ is often highly valuable in our non-volunteer professional roles.

One of the more critical roles is the front-line coordination and response capabilities of an after-hours coordinator. Bases across Queensland have teams on-site during high activity times such as weekends and public holidays, but generally rely on after-hours crews to respond outside of these times; it is the role of the after hours phone holder to assess and respond to incidents, potentially on a 24x7 basis - coordinating crew response, and if required, contacting emergency services for follow-on assistance.

Today, we're highlighting Nev's shift. Nev shies away from the limelight, but during this activation, he successfully juggled a lot of moving parts, showed sound and professional judgement, decision making and communication, and very probably saved a life through his effective coordination of the response. We post this incident not to embarrass Nev, but to highlight some of the wide range of incidents that can require MRQ involvement.

The after-hours phone received a call from a skipper on a small trailorable vessel anchored near Peel Island on Tuesday just past 6pm.

They indicated that a fish that they had eaten turned out to be a puffer fish, and were concerned for their life.

NOTE: Puffer fish are endemic to Moreton Bay. There are several types, including the "Smooth puffer", the "Spiky puffer", and the less common larger "Smooth golden puffer". Some are very obviously puffer fish - slimy, big teeth, and inflate on capture. Others look a little more like a 'normal' edible fish to those unfamiliar with the species. Puffers are EXTREMELY poisonous, and carry "tetrodotoxin", a neurotoxin significantly more potent than cyanide, that can be lethal in small quantities if not treated. Although no known antidote exists, respiratory support and active supportive care will allow the toxin to work it's way through the body.

Nev, recorded the following chain of events. Some details have been redacted for privacy reasons. Some extra information has been added.
* Attempted to contact QPS at White Island.
* Called 000 and requested Police assistance.
* Transferred to QPS Maroochydore and provided details of the emergency.
* WhatsApp Alert sent to MRQ Victoria Point after hours crew
* After-hours skippers Danny and Ryan respond to alert, and started heading to base.
* Tasked another MRQ member to begin entering activation details into our online system in preparation for launch.
* Contacted VMR Raby Bay and advised them to stand by for a possible emergency medivac.
* Re-contacted caller, who was extremely concerned for their life, stating, “I’m going to die.”
* Contacted by QPS Redland Bay, who requested MRQ Victoria Point activation, and advised that an ambulance would meet the crew at the base.
* Updated after-hours response crew.
* QPS Redland Bay was advised that we had a crew activated.
* Received a call from Queensland Ambulance Service advising that an ambulance was on its way.
* Raby Bay advised they have a Medivac vessel at the ready and crewed.
* Subsequently received advice that the ambulance had been diverted to Raby Bay.
* Contacted QPS again and provided a SITREP.
* Received advice from QPS that Raby Bay VMR had launched a medivac.
* Issued STAND DOWN for after-hours crew. VP crew remained on standby at base in case the shallow-water capable VP31 was required for retrieval of target or vessel.
* Continued monitoring communications and the patient's progress.
* Raby Bay advised that the patient was in a land ambulance departing their base for hospital.
* At 19:35, all crew involved from VP stood down, and returned to normal monitoring duties.

A night in the life of a MRQ after-hours coordinator.
Like to join us? Search "Join Marine Rescue Queensland" on your search engine of choice.

10/08/2026

D Roster took charge at Victoria Point over the August 8–9 weekend, followed by a team composed of several rosters for Ekka Monday, August 10.

The three days combined core training, vessel activations, and a community service event, topped off with an after-hours response.

Saturday, August 8 saw clear winter conditions on the bay.
With quiet waters and low boat ramp activity, the team focused on training objectives.
VP31 headed north to carry out Area C senior crew sign-offs, while VP21 conducted exercises around Horseshoe Bay for skipper revalidation.
The afternoon was rounded out with tractor handling practice and training assessments back at base.

Sunday, August 9 brought a much busier shift.

Operations started early with VP31 deploying to tow a broken-down vessel from the Thompson Beach anchorage back to the Victoria Point ramp.
Meanwhile, VP21 transported family members out toward the Coochiemudlo Special Marker to conduct an ash-scattering ceremony. Fair winds and folowing seas, Edward. May the bay hold you close and spread you wide to watch over those who travel upon her.

Later in the morning, both crews squeezed in seamanship drills (and dolphin spotting!) around Peel Island and south of Macleay Island.

The afternoon shift kept both vessels active with tow taskings: VP31 recovered a disabled jet ski from Blakesley, while VP21 refueled at Raby Bay before towing another vessel home from One Mile / Little Ships Club.

Later Sunday evening, an after-hours callout was logged for a disabled vessel stranded at Pots Point near Macleay Island. The after-hours crew deployed to the scene and safely towed the boat and its family back to the Victoria Point pontoon.

On Ekka Monday, August 10, a combined crew from several rosters stepped up for public holiday coverage.

Starting in rainy, overcast weather, the morning provided ideal conditions for rough-water handling and chart training.

VP31 completed a training run to Horizon Shores, VP21 conducted training maneuvers on the bay, and crews completed tractor training at the base.

By the afternoon, weather conditions cleared for a final seamanship assessment around Coochiemudlo Island.

Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers who gave up their weekend and public holiday time to keep Moreton Bay safe.

03/08/2026

It was another steady weekend on the water for C Roster at Victoria Point, with quiet conditions at the boat ramp allowing our crews to knock out a solid amount of training alongside our operational responses.

On Saturday, August 1, calm ramp traffic provided an ideal setup for exercises on Moreton Bay.

VP31 headed out for two training sessions, covering MOB (man-overboard) drills, command assessments, local area navigation across Areas A and D, and training on our "Dolphin" water drone.

Sunday, August 2 saw both vessels back out on the water balancing training drills, routine vessel maintenance, and operational calls.

Morning sessions on VP31 and VP21 focused on boat handling, seamanship, and further command evaluations.

Mid-morning, VP21 was tasked to an emergency activation for a vessel grounding at Blaksleys anchorage, successfully towing the boat off the beach and getting the vessel back underway.

Later in the afternoon, VP21 completed a welfare check on a sailboat, while VP31 completed a refuel run to Raby Bay.

No after-hours were recorded this week, which allowed our A/H responders to catch up on (some would say, much needed) beauty sleep.

28/07/2026

A hive of activity on the water over the course of the last fortnight - with conditions ranging from gusts upwards of 40 knots, through to the classic calm Southern Moreton Bay winter wonderland.

The closure of the snapper/pearl perch season has meant that boaties are seeking other targets, with winter whiting and kingfish some of the top menu items - though there are still a few late (or early!) mackeral to be found.

Winter usually means yachties heading north for warmer pastures, and jet-skiiers enjoying a blast on the bay. Whales are on their northern migration, and are everywhere outside of Straddy/Moreton - don't be surprised if we see them as far south as Coochiemudlo Island soon, but please keep your distance.

A Roster were on duty July 18/19.

The boat ramp was generally quiet due to high winds. The crew took the opportunity to conduct foul-weather training, with a run up to Peel Island. Conditions were nasty enough that the crew were able to train 'bar crossing' techniques on the waves in the southern bay. The team returned bedraggled and cold, but glad to have experienced the bay in those conditions.

The afternoon included a visit from Coast Guard Manly to inspect the unit’s "Dolphin" rescue drone, as well as a late-afternoon activation to assist an owner in retrieving a drifting vessel near Point Halloran. The owner successfully managed to get the vessel under control, and bought it around to the western side of Macleay island out of the wind.

On Sunday, July 19, conditions remained windy with gusts over 25 knots and occasional rain. While ramp activity was minimal, the crew received multiple afternoon calls regarding beached and drifting vessels, leading to one activation to transfer an owner to his vessel, while other incidents were outside reachable scope.

B Roster: July 25–26

In contrast to last weekend, Saturday, July 25 brought clear weather and a busy base, with 11 members attending SSSS (Sea Survival Safety System) training alongside general unit activities.

Sunday, July 26 was another clear day on Moreton Bay. VP31 deployed for a training run up to the northern side of Peel Island, with a stop at Lazarette Gutter and a refuel at Raby Bay.

On the afternoon of Friday, July 24, two boaties in a small tinny encountered deteriorating weather while returning to Victoria Point from Peel Island. After taking on water, they elected to turn back and beach their vessel on Peel, and contact MRQ for assistance. The after-hours crew deployed, safely retrieving both individuals and their vessel to Victoria Point.

During that response, VMR Raby Bay requested assistance to check on two young boaters out of contact in a 3.3-meter tinny near Peel. Information gathered from the first rescued party indicated the youngsters were safe on Peel Island with gear to camp overnight, but there was some indication that the camp gear may have been soaked as a result of the vessel taking on water during the beaching process. Following coordination with QPS and Raby Bay, VP31 deployed back out to Horseshoe Bay on Peel Island, located the boys, and transferred them safely back to Raby Bay to reunite with their family, returning to base just before 11:00 PM.

We extend our congratulations and officially welcome Ryan Kattenberg to the role of Unit Commander, after Danny Bortolotto handed over the reigns.

16/07/2026

On Friday afternoon just shy of 5pm, the after hours crew consisting of Ryan and David from Victoria Point were activated to investigate an overturned vessel, reported to be around Cassim island southeast of Cleveland.

The crew launched VP31, logged on with VMR Raby Bay and proceeded north to investigate. They discovered an overturned tinny just north of Sandy Island that appeared to have an anchor deployed.

The team provided an updated situation report, setting off emergency services notification and investigation processes.

The dingy was righted and pumped out. The crew noted that there was an outboard attached in poor condition, and flotsam associated with the vessel was collected. The tinny was towed to Victoria Point, and additional photographic data secured. Danny joined the crew to provide extra manpower, and VP31 redeployed to conduct a search in the area for additional information.

For better or worse, the vessel had minimal identifying information - no registration, no markings, nothing that would help police track down the owner. A significant campaign in the news and on social media was launched, requesting public assistance to identify the vessel & owner.

The teams at MRQ come across lost tinnies reasonably regularly around the bay. Usually it's an easy process to track down the responsible party, and the vessel is usually quickly reunited with it's grateful owner. This was not one of those times.

D Roster were on duty for the weekend of Sat 11th/Sun 12th, and were tasked to join the SAR (Search and Rescue) operation.

Over the course of the next several days, vessels and air assets from MRQ, VMR, Coast Guard, SES and Surf Life Saving were deployed to assist in the search. SES crews were tasked with searches around the shoreline of the mainland, and Coochiemudlo Island. D Roster also took the opportunity to talk to local boaties, and passed on information that the owner was potentially an occasional resident of the area. Social media and news campaigns were adjusted to request information on the whereabouts of the owner; unfortunately without success to date.

Attached to this post is an animation showing an approximate overview of the deployment of MRQ/VMR/Coastguard assets during one particular time period. Note that AIS tracking uses 'snapshots' of a vessels position, so won't comprehensively show exact routes in full details - and SES and SLS vessels are not included in the graphic - but it should provide an overview of the sorts of resources that will be deployed to assist to find a potentially missing-person.

During the weekend, and over subsequent days, a total of 11 activations were recorded by the team at Victoria Point; most associated directly or indirectly with the search. Crews from Reland Bay, Raby Bay, Stradbroke Island, Sandgate, SES, Police, and SLS were also deployed directly. Bases as far as Bribie Island and Jacobs Well also provided direct or indirect assistance to cover 'normal' activations in areas that would normally be covered by crews who were deployed to search.

Hundreds of people, and potentially thousands of person-hours, have been involved directly or indirectly in this process in the hope of achieving a positive result. No such result has been achieved to date.

The crews at MRQ, and all emergency services personnel involved, consider it a privilege to donate their time and skills to facilitating the safe return of boaties in trouble on the water, and remain on standby in the hope that we can assist further.

10/07/2026

Can someone please help identify the owner of this vessel…