Great Lakes Mayor Jan McWilliams as well as Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos attended the commissioning ceremony for the 38-foot vessel. 

The new boat, which is named ‘Cape Hawke’ was built by Taree-based boat manufacturer Steber International and is valued at around $716,000. 

It is the seventh vessel Steber International has constructed in the past five years and the fifth rescue vessel to be commissioned in Forster Tuncurry since 1989.

Operational limits are 30 miles to sea and the vessel will assist in rescues from Seal Rocks up to Camden Haven.

The Camden Haven Marine Rescue also received a new boat and a commissioning took place in Laurieton on Saturday June 7. 

Mr Tannos said local and visiting boaters would now be even safer on the water. 

He said the new boats are valuable additions to marine search and rescue resources.

“They provide greater speed and range for lengthy and challenging rescue operations,” he said.

“These vessels not only represent an investment in the safety of the many local and visiting boaters in these two districts but also in the safety of the hard-working and skilled volunteer members of the Camden Haven and Forster Tuncurry units.

“They are among 39 new and refurbished rescue vessels delivered to date at a cost of more than $11 million as part of our ongoing project to upgrade our rescue fleet through the financial support of the NSW Government and the boating community.”

Former Forster Tuncurry Unit Commander Dennis Travers, who recently stood down from the role, said the new boat had proven reliable, safe and stable during training and operations since its delivery last month.

He said the delivery of the purpose-built long-cabin vessel was a fitting boost for the unit as it celebrated its 25th anniversary.

“The unit is proud of this track record in assisting and protecting our boating community,” he said. 

“Twelve of our volunteers have been members for 15 years or longer, amassing a combined service record of 255 years. 

“The commissioning of this valuable new vessel was particularly special for five members who attended the ceremony as they have each served 20 years or more.”

Both vessels are fitted with state of the art navigation, multiple marine radios, automatic identification system and thermal imaging cameras, along with a cardiac defibrillator and oxygen therapy.