PASSAGE PONDERINGS - Marine Rescue Bribie
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PASSAGE
PONDERINGS
Issue #8 Compiled by John Traill
SAT 13/06 1510pm – 4.2m Centre Console member
JUNE 2020 with a flat battery, required a tow from Caloundra Wide
to Toorbul.
JUNE RADIO ROOM STATISTICS TUE 16/06 0927am – 6.2m Cruiser member with
853 Calls, 225 vessels logged on, engine failure required a tow from Pacific Harbour to
21 Vessel Assists, 86 Sitreps, 28 Requests, Bellara area.
3 Overdue vessels, 2 Vessel Tracking, WED 17/06 1332pm – Jet Ski non-member had run
124 Radio Checks, 5 Weather Forecasts aground at Tripcony Bight. Required re-floating –
3 Securite Broadcasts. 0 Pan Pan, 0 Mayday unable to reach Jet Ski, Water Police advised and
waited for high tide to refloat.
VHF calls 78.9%, - 27MHz calls 9.3%
WED 17/06 1840pm – Jet Ski run aground near
JUNE VESSEL ASSISTS: Thooloora Island required refloating and back to
TUE 02/06 0554am – 10.4m Cruiser member with Caloundra, CG Caloundra unable to assist. JB3
anchor chain around propeller on beach near investigated, JB3 handed vessel over to CG
Tangalooma Resort and taking on water. Bribie 1 Caloundra near Roy’s to continue assist.
attended but conditions too rough to tow, owner FRI 19/06 0909am – Member of the Public reported a
arranged salvage. drifting Tinny at Banksia Beach. Investigated nothing
WED 03/06 1036am – 6m Runabout member broken found.
down at Mission Point required a tow to Spinnaker TUE 23/06 1255pm – 8m vessel reported adrift by
Sound Marina. Member of Public opposite Spinnaker Sound Marina
FRI 05/06 0044am – 5m ½ Cabin non-member with – investigate.
engine problems required a tow from Mouth of WED 24/06 1134am – 3m Canoe lost between White
Caboolture River to Monty’s Marina Beachmere. Patch and Gallagher’s Gutter – investigate.
FRI 05/06 0851am – 3.5m Tinny non-member engine TUE 30/06 0843am – 4.7m Runabout non-member
died after about 100m just off Airforce Park, required with a flat battery, required a jump start near Water
a tow to Bongaree Ramp. Tower Bongaree, escorted back to Pacific Harbour.
SAT 06/06 0719am – 4.8m Tinny member with motor WE’RE BACK
problems, required a tow from Pacific Harbour to
Bellara Boat Ramp.
SUN 07/06 0734am – 8m Cruiser member with engine
failure at Spitfire Channel required a tow to Spinnaker
Sound Marina.
SUN 07/06 0843 am – 7.3m Centre Console member
with engine problems, required a tow from Wild Banks
to Spinnaker Sound Marina.
SUN 07/06 1413pm – 5m Runabout non-member
stuck in mud at Bongaree, required a tow to refloat.
SUN 07/06 2020pm – 5.7m Half Cabin non-member
with engine required a tow from Shipping Channel
near Cape Moreton to Bellara Boat Ramp.
MON 08/06 1415pm – 10.5m Cruiser non-member
stuck on sandbank in Spinnaker Sound Marina with
engine not working, required assistance to berth in the
Spinnaker Sound Marina.
TUE 09/06 0835am – 11.5m Trimaran non-member
drifting toward shore near IGA Bongaree, required
resecuring on mooring at Bongaree.
FRI 12/06 1222pm – 13m Cruiser non-member with
motor issues, required a tow from White Patch to
Spinnaker Sound Marina.
VMR Bribie Crews are back on deck at the Base from Saturday the 6th June 2020. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and concerns for our Volunteers our rescue crews have only been responding to calls for New VMR Trainee Craig McShane learning how to use a assistance and coming in from home when required. Marine Flare as part of his Elements of Shipboard Safety But as the restrictions are now easing the Red course. with Skipper Simon Middap watching on in the Saturday Crew, skipped by Simon Middap, were the background. first crew back at the base for their normal weekend shift. It did not take long and they had their first assist for the day. Social distancing was maintained in the crew room and a maximum of seven crew are allowed in the crew room at one time. CREW TRAINING Well it is that time again where our new recruits are put through their paces, by participating in the Elements of Shipboard Safety course. This has to be passed by all new trainee crew to progress to boat crew. This looks fun, but it can be quite hard as there is a lot of water time and stamina required. They all learnt survival techniques, safe working procedures for emergency situations on board a vessel, survival techniques on a vessel in an emergency situation, as New VMR Trainee Glenn Taylor learning how to abandon well as abiding by safe working procedures.5 trainee ship as part of his Elements of Shipboard Safety course. crew took part but only 4 passed like we said this can be very gruelling day. VMR Skipper Simon Middap checking the buoyancy of the life raft as it was going to be used as part of his Elements New VMR Trainee Celal Erisir doing his buoyancy test and of Shipboard Safety Course for New VMR Trainees, swim as part of his Elements of Shipboard Safety course.
had dragged its anchor and was heading for the beach
area opposite the IGA. Graham Gibb the on duty radio
operator called the on duty rescue crew in and they
were on the water within 20 minutes in Bribie One
with the Commodore Liz Radajewski at the helm to
render assistance . Bribie Two with Skipper Bob
Skinner at the helm was then called in to help get a
rope attached to the trimaran . The other end of the
rope was then attached to the MSQ Mooring Buoy and
then the crew on the crew on the trimaran were able
to pull themselves to safety with Bribie 1 and Bribie 2
standing by.
New VMR Trainee Mike Lucas learning how to right a life
raft as part of his Elements of Shipboard Safety course.
MON 08/06 1415pm – 10.5m Cruiser non-member
stuck on sandbank in Spinnaker Sound Marina with
engine not working, required assistance to berth in the
Spinnaker Sound Marina.
When a boat beaches itself in a Marina... Bribie 1 to the
rescue. Thank goodness for the joystick steering - it was
tight in there!
TUE 09/06 0835am VMR Bribie had a call for
assistance this morning from a 11.50m Trimaran that
CONGRATULATIONS PETER
We would like to VMR BASE TO REOPEN
congratulate Peter From July 1st the VMR Bribie Island front door will be
McNamara for his 2020 open for visitors, but we will require all visitors to sign
Longman Volunteer in and leave their contact details as per the
Recognition Award for requirements of the government’s Covid-19
his amazing service to regulations.
VMR Bribie Island. If you are in a group and are just requiring information
Peter is a very loved or wishing to pay your membership fee, Please only
and well respected one person from your group should enter the base
member in our VMR .You will be asked to use the hand sanitizer to help
family. keep our volunteers and you safe and remember your
Peter is not only a senior radio operator, but was the social distancing.
immediate past Radio Officer, and is also:
• a committee member,
• a top notch photographer,
• a member of the grumpy old men’s club,
• the voice of reason,
• the man with a story,
• the bar man,
• safety Dave’s number one fan ,
• the smoothest voice in the airways,
• the man who organises things effortlessly,
• the man with the best speeches, and
• the best Santa impersonation.
Peter is always the first person to put his hand up to
volunteer, he is always ready to try something new
and inventive and he will give anything a go and
comes up with some amazing / crazy ideas. Peter is The Commodore Liz Radajewski and Vice Commodore
truly a great soul, extremely humble and he makes Ces Luscombe at the front looking forward to welcoming
such a difference in all our lives. everyone back.
Thanks Peter for just being you.
Don't you hate it when the tide goes away - VMR crew
helping stabilise a boat onshore while Bribie 2 towed it off
the sand using our awesome new 100m Dyneema tow line. VMRBI Radio Officer John Bodycombe going over the plan
for the new radio aerials with the technicians doing the
RADIO TOWER UPGRADE installation.
The second stage of the VMR Bribie Radio tower
upgrade is under way with several new VHF aerials
being installed at the top of the VMR Radio Tower in
preparation for the Radio Room upgrade due to start
later in the year. The process was hindered by the
“cherry picker” breaking down with the maintenance
men still in the bucket, fortunately they were able to
climb down the radio mast and wait for another
appliance to complete the job.
Radio Officer John Bodycombe and Senior Radio Operator
Peter Morton check out signals in the VMRBI Radio Room.
CHANNEL MARKER MAINTENANCE
The MSQ barge Koopa has been performing repair
work on various channel markers in the Pumicestone
Passage. VMR Bribie Island are always willing to help
where possible, so we offered them the use of our
pontoon for the MSQ vessel Koopa to use it for
mooring overnight instead of having to take the vessel
back to its Brisbane River base. If you notice any
Above and below: The “Cherry Picker” in action. channel markers damaged or missing, please report
them direct to MSQ or advise VMRBI and we will
follow up with MSQ to rectify ant issues.
MSQ Barge Koopa tied up to VMR Bribie Base Pontoon.
MSQ Barge Koopa on the Pumicestone Passage.
WED 24/06 1134am Jonkers Bribie Three was
dispatched to near Gallagher’s to retrieve a kayak that
had been anchored there for some time and tow it
back to the base. VMR Jonkers Bribie 3
Crewman Mark Purtell inspecting the kayak after
LNP Candidate for Pumicestone Fiona Gaske, Vice
successfully towing back to the base. The owner has been
Commodore Ces Luscombe, Commodore Liz Radajewski,
notified.
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism Daniel
Purdie, Graham Gibb VMR Bribie’s Emergency Services
Liaison Officer.
JULY 2020
JULY RADIO ROOM STATISTICS
1,156 Calls, 330 vessels logged on,
SUNSET DRINKS 24 Vessel Assists, 122 Sitreps, 55 Requests,
Friday 26th June 2020 - This Friday’s event was 5 Overdue vessels, 1 Vessel Tracking,
once again cancelled due to COVID-19 Restrictions. 137 Radio Checks, 4 Weather Forecasts
10 Securite Broadcasts. 0 Pan Pan, 0 Mayday
NEW MOORINGS
The LNP Candidate Fiona VHF calls 74.7%, - 27MHz calls 9.1%
Gaske visited the base with JULY VESSEL ASSISTS:
the Shadow Minister for
WED 01/07 1117am – 5.4m Half Cabin non-member
Police and Counter
with motor broken down required a tow from Red
Terrorism Daniel Purdie on Beach to Bellara.
30th June 2020. They had a WED 01/07 1425pm – 4.5m Half Cabin member stuck
good look around our on mud bank north of Spinnaker Sound Marina,
amazing facilities including
THU 02/07 1519pm – 6.5m Half Cabin member
the vessels, they were most
bearing problems required a tow from between
interested in what our squadron does and how we Gilligan’s Island and Red Beach to Spinnaker Sound
operate. Fiona later released the following statement: Marina.
“I’m pleased to announce with Dan Purdie MP - FRI 03/07 0954am – 6.3m Half Cabin member with
Member for Ninderry that if elected on October 31, the motor problems, required a tow from Comboyuro
LNP will provide $30,000 for two new vessel moorings Point to Spinnaker Sound Marina.
in our Pumicestone passage for the VMR and any SAT 04/07 1623pm – Brisbane Water Police initiated
other emergency services vessels to use in their a SAR between Moreton Island and Pearl Channel for
operations. — at VMR Bribie Island.” small inflatable. Search was called off around 6pm.
SUN 05/07 1712pm – Half sunken Tinny off the The team from SIGNBLAST at Caboolture came over
Bongaree Jetty, reported by MOP. Investigated - this afternoon and put the signage on the tractor
Vessel is damaged and unable to pump out. Left at Calum and Ash give it the thumbs. Big Thank You
Bongaree Ramp. Advised VKR of situation. Boat goes out to Warwick from SIGNBLAST for their
secured. generous donation it is much appreciated.
MON 06/07 1709pm – 5.2m Centre Console non-
member with a flat battery, required a jump start half BOAT RAMP PROMOTION
way between Woorim and Caloundra. Jump started A Big Thank You to all those boaties who braved the
vessel, but still required a tow back to Spinnaker cold wind this morning to come and join up with
Sound Marina. Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island at our Bellara
WED 08/07 0944am – 5m Runabout non-member Boat Ramp Promotion. At one stage they were lined
with engine failure required a tow from Cooks Rocks up waiting to be attended. We succeed in get 25 new
to Bongaree Boat Ramp. members, gave out some helpful hints on boating
WED 08/07 1759pm – 4.3m Runabout with motor safety and Marine Radio operation. Recovery some
problems required a tow from sandbank at Bellara to out of date flares. Helped numerous returning boats
our Base Boat Ramp. moor up at the ramp jetty to so they could go and get
WED 08/07 2349pm – Water Police initiated SAR for their vehicles. We even had a visit from Dan from the
missing kayaker in the Peel Island area, searched Brisbane Water Police and of cause Safety Dave keep
through the night and crew was relieved in the early an eye on everyone.
morning. Unfortunately, the kayaker was found in the
early morning deceased.
SAT 11/07 1732pm – 7m Pontoon Boat non-member
with motor problems required a tow from South of the
Bongaree Jetty to Pacific Harbour.
SAT 11/07 1817pm – 4.6m Tinny member with motor
problems required a tow from near Pacific Harbour to
Bellara Boat Ramp.
MON 13/07 1200pm – 9m Cruiser member required a
tow from Pumicestone Passage near VMR to
Spinnaker Sound Marina for maintenance work.
SUN 19/07 1135am – 7.2m Cruisecraft non-member
with engine problems required a tow from NW6
Shipping Channel to Spinnaker Sound Marina.
TUE 21/07 0740am – 4.1m Runabout non-member
with motor problems, required a tow from North of
White Patch to Toorbul Boat Ramp.
SUN 26/07 1650pm – Member of the Public reported
House Boat drifting near Turner’s Camp –
Matt Parker-Burton one of the early morning visitors to sign
investigated and secured. up a new membership at VMR with Jamie Darlington and
TUE 28/07 1330pm – 11 Kayakers were overdue, Safety Dave,
investigate at Skirmish Point, on route contacted and
stood down.
TUE 28/07 1559pm – 9.5m Cruiser member with
engine failure required a tow from near Bongaree
Jetty to Spinnaker Sound Marina.
WED 29/07 1321pm – 6.5m Half Cabin member with
engine problems required a tow from Yellow
Patch/North Point to Spinnaker Sound Marina. 10
minutes into trip assist was cancelled.
NEW SIGNAGE FOR TRACTOR
Safety Dave checking newly signed up member Klaudio
Pranic with Crewman Jamie Darlington and Commodore
Liz Radajewski watching on.
When you go to the boat ramps in our area, look out
for our LOG ON signs and give it a go, radio in to our
friendly radio operators or give them a ring. The LOG
ON service is for everyone not just members so
please LOG ON and let us keep you safe while you
are on the water.
Newly signed up members Tim and Suz Chase with Safety
Dave and VMR crew member Karen Darlington.
VMR Crew member Ian Nesbitt signing up some new
members. Commodore Liz made sure the one at Bellara Boat ramp
was squeaky clean.
Even Dan from the Water Police dropped by to say hello
seen here checking our social distancing with Vice VMR Crew helped in the windy conditions.
Commodore Ces Luscombe and Commodore Liz
Radajewski.
Prospective new members line up have a chat with VMR
Crew Members at the Bellara Boat Ramp. Safety Dave the Frenchie also had a question – “Where’s
my Biscuits.”
L to R: VMRBI Commodore Liz Radajewski presents
one of our VMR Plaques keeping her social distancing
VMR Crew members Ian Nesbitt and Paul Gillmore signing
up new members. to the SIGNBLAST team Leah Duncan, Justin Miller,
Maree Miller and Warrick Pye.
SEARCH FOR MISSING KAYAKER
Fourteen water police and volunteer vessels searched
the waters off Peel Island for the man who became
separated from a group of three other vessels on
Wednesday afternoon 8th July 2020.
Around 4pm the group of seven friends were kayaking
from Peel Island back to North Stradbroke Island,
having travelled the reverse direction earlier in the
day. The worsening wind and current, increased the
time for the journey and the group were separated
around 5pm in the rain and failing light.
One of the group contacted authorities and water
police commenced a search at 5.20pm. Around
6.30pm, two kayaks with four people were located
near Rainbow Passage. A third kayak with two people
was located at 9pm near Amity Banks.
A single kayak was still outstanding with a 21-year-old
Brisbane man, wearing a long sleeve shirt and red life
jacket. He was in a blue “reflection” brand single seat
kayak. Due to the weather, no air search has been
conducted, however vessels continued to search
through the night.
Green Saturday’s second to last job an 8.5m half
VMR Bribie was despatched at midnight to join the cabin with electrical issues (they didn’t catch any fish
search for the missing Kayaker in Moreton Bay. After either) so not happy fisherman, back into Spinnaker
searching all night, the crew of Bribie 1 was relieved before it got dark. Great to see all the guys wearing
by a fresh crew transported from our base on our new life jackets keeping themselves safe on the water.
second vessel Bribie 2. Green Saturday was tasked to an interesting job, a
Unfortunately, this story does not end well with the 26ft sailing boat’s motor had given up and needed to
deceased kayaker found early in the morning. Our get to Bribie Gardens which many of you won’t know
thoughts are with the Kayakers family and friends, and is only accessible by a lock. So the vessel folded its
our thanks go to all the volunteers from VMR and mast down so we could get under the bridge then that
Coastguard who joined the search through the night. made it 36ft !! so Jonkers Bribie 3 towed the vessel to
the lock and each vessel had to enter the lock on their
THANKS SIGNBLAST own as there was not enough room for them both so
Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Commodore Liz a lot of man handling of the sailing vessel was done
Radajewski made a surprise visit to SIGBLAST at lots of ropes thrown and in the end the sailing boat
Caboolture and presented the team there with one of was towed safely once on the other side to its
our VMR Plaques in appreciation for their generous pontoon. It took a great deal of team work to make it
support. SIGNBLAST recently donated the new VMR happen great job Green Saturday. Pictures below tell
Signage for our new tractor. the story!
GREEN SATURDAY CREW DAY
The crew had some curious visitors come up to the
BEWARE SUNKEN BEACON boat while they were training and doing their safety
The red lateral marker on the turn into Toorbul has drills on the vessels today. There is something quite
been hit and is submerged. VMR Bribie has now put magical about dolphins when they come to say hello
a red buoy on the sunken beacon until it can be
repaired.
Please exercise caution when navigating in this
area.
Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ) has been informed.
Above and below photos: There is a red lateral marker
down (it has been hit) on the turn into Toorbul VMR
Bribie have put a red buoy on the sunken beacon so
it can be seen please be careful in this area.GREEN SUNDAY CREW DAY Green Sunday are your on call crew for the day, they have been busy Tow rope training for the new crew guided by our rope master Ian Grimes.
Commodore Liz gives Ali King a tour of our main rescue
vessel Bribie 1.
ALP CANDIDATE VISITS VMRBI
State Labor candidate for Pumicestone Ali King along
with Kerry Duffy visited VMR Bribie Island on
Wednesday morning 15th July 2020. Commodore Liz
Radajewski, Secretary and Commercial Coxswain
Gary Voss, Radio Operator and Emergency Services
Liaison Officer Graham Gibb outlined our operation,
highlighted our challenges conducted a tour of our
base and vessels.
Gary Voss, Commodore Liz Radajewski, Graham Gibb and
Ali King with Bribie 1 in the background.
Ali King was given a run down of our radio procedures by
Lyn Boucaut.
Gary Voss Ali King, Commodore Liz Radajewski and
Graham Gibb ”aboard” Bribie 1.
MSQ VISIT
Ben Bosschieter, a Shipping Inspector from Maritime
Safety Queensland (MSQ) was a special invited guest
at the July Management Committee Meeting to bring
the committee and some of the VMR Coxswains who
also attended up to date on the issues and problems
that MSQ faces. Discussions were held on ways of
helping each other regarding vessels on mooring
buoys in the Pumicestone Passage.
Kerry Duffy, Graham Gibb, Gary Voss, Ali King and Ben has also been involved with “The State War on
Commodore Liz Radajewski in front of our recently Wrecks Task Force” which is nearing it’s halfway point
acquired tractor. with more than 600 vessels already removed.Maritime Safety Queensland’s online update said that ON WATER NIGHT TRAINING
included 330 vessels from the Sunshine Coast down On water Night Training for our VMR rescue crews is
to the Gold Coast with another 80 being monitored. an essential part of VMR Bribie’s training schedules
Vessels identified as a hazard where the owners for all crew members. Safety is always one of our
cannot be located can be the subject of an advertised major concerns, so whenever one of our rescue
seizure notice. Maritime Safety Queensland shipping vessels goes out, day or night, there is always a radio
inspector Ben Bosschieter, on August 10th, issued operator on duty to handle their calls. There is a 24/7
notices on three vessels believed abandoned in the call out system for radio operators the same as for the
Caboolture River. Two were dismasted fibreglass sail boat crews for any one of our three rescue vessels
boats and a third sailboat had its mast intact. Bribie 1, Bribie 2 or Jonkers Bribie 3
The boats will be seized and either sold or destroyed,
depending on further inspection, if the owners do not
come forward to claim them by September 7.
While Bribie 1 was out in the bay doing night training, Radio
Officer John Bodycombe manned the radios in the VMR
Bribie radio room to handle their calls.
EMERGENCY SERVICES EXPO
As the Combined Emergency Services EXPO 2020
was cancelled due to the COVID-19, the 2019 EXPO
certificates of appreciation were unable to be handed
out during the planned stakeholder meetings.
Accordingly, VMRBI visited participants when time
L to R: Back Row Committee Members Karen Darlington, and conditions were suitable and delivered the
Doug Lythgo, Graham Gibb, Gary Voss and Commodore following certificates.
Liz Radajewski. Middle Row Coxswains Ian Grimes, Ray
Gibbs and Committee Member Wayne Sclater. Seated in
front. Ben Bosschieter from Maritime Safety Queensland.
Vice Commodore Ces Luscombe was also in attendance
by video hook up and Committee member Peter McNamara
was behind the camera.
Vice Commodore Ces Luscombe was also in attendance
by video hook up, as seen above. Picture shows L to R:
VMR Bribie Secretary and Commercial Coxswain Gary
Voss, Ben Bosschieter Shipping Inspector from Maritime
Safety Queensland, talking to Ces on the big screen,
Commodore and Commercial Coxswain Liz Radajewski
and Committee Member and Emergency Services Liaison
Officer Graham Gibb. Jarrod Thorne OIC Bribie Island QAS.Brisbane Water Police held a SAR debrief at Coast Guard
Brisbane for marine rescue units involved in the search for
Martin Leach, Principal of Banksia Beach State School
missing PWC users on July 8/9.
receives a framed certificate of appreciation from Graham
Representatives from Coast Guard and VMR units from
Gibb. Graham commented “VMR is looking forward to 2021 Bribie Island down to Redland Bay attended.
now and we hope the Young Emergency Services We thank the Brisbane Water Police for their particular
Ambassador will be from your students and of course we
attention to the welfare of volunteers who are at times
would welcome your amazing the band once again.”
exposed to challenging and traumatic circumstances.
It's also great to see the marine rescue community in
Moreton Bay come together as one and share our
experiences and thoughts.
COMMITTEE OUTCOMES:
As you will be aware, the most recent update from the
committee to Active Members was after the General
Meeting in February.
Shortly after the meeting, Covid-19 put a damper on
anything other than basic operations.
Since then we have been communicating through our
"Keeping in Touch' emails and ‘Passage
Ponderings' - with many thanks to Peter McNamara
and John Traill.
The committee has now reconvened face to face, and
our world is (for the moment) returning to some level
Graham Gibb and Commodore Liz Radajewski dropped in of normality. The July committee meeting dealt with
to present Konrad Sawczynski Area Director of the Rural
Fire Service a framed certificate of appreciation to thank
matters as follows:
them for all their amazing support to ensure the success of The Commodore reported that we are slowly opening
the Emergency Services EXPO. the base for meetings and functions up to 35 people.
This is still well short of what we need for Sunset
Drinks and General Meetings, so these remain on
hold for a while longer.
The Treasurer reported that our finances have been
impacted by the lack of fundraising during Covid 19,
but that we have been successful in a few grants to
offset this (more to follow below). We remain in a
healthy financial position with a good plan in place for
the future.
The radio room handled over 850 calls for the month,
with 21 assists provided to members and other
vessels. Total membership now exceeds 1550.
The maintenance manager reported that the vessels
Graham Gibb presents a framed expo certificate of
and facilities are in good condition. We have taken the
appreciation to TS Koopa’s Garth Schmith and Dave vessels out of the water successfully with the new
Withers for their participation and support of our EXPO. tractor/trailer, which us a great help in maintaining the
vessels. There were a couple of unexpectedelectronics failures. One of these impacted the has been brushing up on radio skills this week and listening
steering on B1 and took it out of action for a couple of out for all the best fishing spots.
days. A faulty radar on B2 was replaced at no cost by Have a great weekend everyone and be safe.
the manufacturer -- thanks Garmin.
The Training Coordinator reported that most crew who
MBRC GRANT
VMR Bribie Island recently engaged Telco Antennas
stood down during Covid-19 are back on deck. We
to inspect and upgrade the guyed wires, antenna
have a new team of trainees joining crews this month.
mounts, antennas and cabling for our radio
Welcome aboard guys.
communication systems on the guyed lattice tower
The committee was advised that the 2020 Emergency installed at our VMR Base. Scope of the work included
Services Expo has been cancelled, but that the addition of several new VHF aerials installed at the
participants are rearing to go for 2021! We are hosting top of the VMR Radio Tower and testing with the
the PCYC cadets over the next couple of months configuration of aerials to ensure maximum coverage
(Covid Safely), and joint emergency services and reception in preparation for phase 2 of the Radio
meetings are reconvening. Room Upgrade - to be completed later this year.
The fundraising team reported a successful ramp day This upgrade has been made possible, in part, thanks
on 4th July which was well attended despite the windy to a $7326 grant from The Moreton Bay Regional
conditions. The Committee has been discussing a Council’s Community Facilities Grant. VMRBI would
return to fundraising at Sandstone Point hotel as they like to thank MBRC and in particular Division 1
return to (nearly) normal operations. We have been Councillor Brooke Savige, who visited VMR Bribie on
successful with grant applications for engine Friday 31st July 2020 to inspect progress.
maintenance, radio mast upgrades, and wet weather
gear. This has certainly helped offset the loss in
fundraising income due to Covid.
The committee has not progressed the base building
at all during the lockdown. This will be back on the
agenda for the next meeting.
The topic of the AGM was discussed, and the
committee agreed to aim for an October meeting
subject to any developments on the Covid-19 front.
We will also aim to hold our deferred General Meeting
in late August -- subject to Covid!
Vice Commodore Ces Luscombe and Radio Officer John
Bodycombe discuss the radio mast upgrade with MBRC
Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savage.
"Don't make me laugh there are no fish biting out there !" Councillor Brooke Savage receives a briefing on the
Well good morning on this wet and dull day, if you are upgrade so far, and plans for the future from Radio Officer
heading out today don't forget to LOG ON with your local John Bodycombe and Vice Commodore Ces Luscombe.
VMR or Coast guard and wear your life jacket. Safety DaveOur Radio Officer John Bodycombe has been doing some VMRBI Radio Officer John Bodycombe going over the plan
testing in conjunction with Senior Radio Operator and IT for the new radio aerials with the Telco Antennas
Guru Peter Morton with the current aerial configuration to technicians during the installation.
ensure we get maximum coverage and reception.
WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!
Phase 2 of the VMR Bribie Radio Room Upgrade
includes installation of a base radio network of radios
with the capability of complying with the relevant
Australian and International Standards &
Requirements and specifically reliable 24/7
operational needs. This would include:
• a software suite to encompass all management
system and operator functions and processes.
• intuitive user interface via touch screen
computers
• possibility of multiple operator and radio sites
installed at various remote locations.
• One operator can operate several radios
simultaneously with the Voice User Interface and
cover a large area of responsibility as well as the
ability to monitor and control each individual
radio.
Safety Dave The Frenchie wearing his life jacket!
This week we are going to be talking about life jackets.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey has announced that
Queensland suffered its worst-ever year for Marine
Accidents in 2019. Figures just released by Maritime
Safety Queensland show that 18 people died in
Queensland waters last year in reported marine
incidents, including 14 who drowned or went missing.
Of the 14 who drowned or went missing in 2019, only
The ”Cherry Picker” in action installing new aerials on the one was known to be wearing a life jacket.
VMRBI Radio Mast. Queensland research shows few Queenslanders
wear a life jacket in a boat, contributing to drownings.“Over the past 20 years, 113 people have drowned SUN 09/08 1824pm – Request from QAS to take 2
during marine incidents in Queensland, and only five officers to Lime Pocket camping ground, transported
of them were known to have been wearing a patient back to ambulance at the Base.
lifejacket," he said. “The water safety message hasn’t SUN 09/08 2047pm – 4.3m Centre Console non-
changed over that time. Boat operators need to keep member stuck on mud near West of Thooloora Island,
a proper lookout at all times and always travel at a vessel has no radios and phone has died during
safe speed. However, most importantly, they must transmission to CG Caloundra (who passed the job to
have enough life jackets on board for everyone and VMRBI).
make sure everyone knows how to use them." FRI 14/08 0004am – Request from Water Police to
Do you always wear your life Jacket? conduct a search for missing Jet Ski in the Deception
Bay area. Searched throughout the night in Bribie 1.
Continued search at first light with both Bribie 1 and
Bribie 2.
SAT 15/08 1024am – 5.2m Half Cabin member with
engine overheating, required a tow from Bulwer to
Toorbul Ramp.
SAT 15/08 2218pm – Request from Water Police to
investigate Tinny reported drifting in Ningi Creek by
MOP. Search called off after 30 minutes.
SUNSET DRINKS MON 17/08 1059am – 2m Jet Ski non-member broken
Friday 31st July 2020 - This Friday’s event was down off Toorbul required a toe to Bellara Boat Ramp.
once again cancelled due to COVID-19 Restrictions. TUE 18/08 0915am – MOP reported inflatable dinghy
sinking and tied to Yacht opposite IGA - investigate.
THU 20/08 2155pm – Water Police requested Bribie
AUGUST 2020 1 & Bribie 2 to search off Woorim as there had been a
flare sighting. Stood down around 2330pm.
AUGUST RADIO ROOM STATISTICS FRI 21/08 0852am – MOP reported a floating drum
1,172 Calls, 321 vessels logged on, near IGA Bongaree, investigated nothing found.
23 Vessel Assists, 152 Sitreps, 80 Requests, FRI 21/08 1507pm – 5.5m Bayrunner non-member
3 Overdue vessels, 1 Vessel Tracking, with engine problems required a tow from North of
132 Radio Checks, 5 Weather Forecasts Pacific Harbour Canals to the Bellara Boat Ramp.
0 Securite Broadcasts. 0 Pan Pan, 0 Mayday SAT 22/08 0934am – MOP reported an upturned
VHF calls 78.8%, - 27MHz calls 8.1% dinghy on the beach near museum at Bongaree –
investigated and nothing found.
AUGUST VESSEL ASSISTS: THU 27/08 0830am – 14m Yacht non-member
SAT 01/08 0834am – 5m Cuddy Cabin member with advised inflatable tender missing moored near IGA
motor issues required a tow from Bongaree to Pacific Bongaree – investigate and assist.
Harbour Canals. THU 27/08 1111am – 4.5m Runabout member with
SUN 02/08 0947am – 4.3m Tinny non-member with a engine problems required a tow from South of
flat battery, required a tow from Red Beach to Spinnaker Leads to Spinnaker Sound Marina.
Bongaree Boat Ramp. FRI 28/08 0902am – 7m Cruiser member with motor
SUN 02/08 1554pm – 4.7m Centre Console non- problems and oil spraying on hot motor, required a tow
member with motor issues required a tow from 1km from the shipping channel North of Woorim to the
North-West of Flinders Reef. Toorbul Boat Ramp.
THU 06/08 0914am – 4.8m Runabout member with
motor issues, required a tow from Red Marker CONGRATULATIONS JON BRICE
Pumicestone Passage to Pacific Harbour Canals.
FRI 07/08 1222pm – Vessel broke it’s mooring South
of Spinnaker Sound Marina entrance – investigate
and secure.
FRI 07/08 1255pm – Investigate a large object floating
in water near the entrance to Pacific Harbour.
FRI 07/08 1313pm – 5.6m Cuddy Cabin non-member
with engine failure, required a tow from Mission Point
to Spinnaker Sound Marina.
SUN 09/08 0830am – 5m Half Cabin non-member
boat aground on beach near Curtain Artificial Reef,
require a tow off the beach.
SUN 09/08 1004am – Investigate dead turtle South of Commodore Liz Radajewski and Vice Commodore Ces
the Bridge on the Bribie side. Luscombe pin Coxswain epaulettes on Jon Brice’s
shoulders.Jon Brice joined VMR Bribie in 2015. After a short stint
as Trainee Crew with Green Sunday he transferred to
White Sunday, where he steadily progressed through
the ranks of Crew, Competent Crew, Senior Crew and
finally was promoted Coxswain on Sunday 9th August
2020.
Later in the day, at 6pm Jon was “initiated” with his
first callouts as Coxswain, with Allan Tranter
(supervising) and Karen Darlington (crew) they had an
all-nighter, 1st a medivac from Lime Pocket back to the
VMR Base and 2nd to NW of Thooloora Island,
finishing just before 4am.
Jon is also a valued member of the Boat Maintenance
Crew and when not at VMR Bribie Jon spends his time
reconditioning his 9m sloop “SWAG”.
SEARCH FOR MISSING MEN
Sunday night 9th August 2020 VMR Bribie received a
call from Coast Guard Caloundra who had received
an after-hours call from a vessel stuck on a mudbank
somewhere near Donnybrook. Partial GPS
coordinates were given before the skipper’s mobile
phone died.
Bribie 2 with new Coxswain Jon Brice, Coxswain Allan
Tranter (Supervising) and Karen Darlington (Crew)
aboard had already been activated earlier around
6pm to transport 2 QAS officers to the Lime Pocket
Camping Ground to treat an injured patient.
Callout Radio Operator John Traill relayed the above
details to Bribie 2 to be aware on their return from
Lime Pocket. The QAS Officers deemed it necessary
to transport the injured camper back to hospital, which
was fortunate as on his way back to hospital in the
ambulance the patient arrested.
Bribie 2 then returned to search for the stricken vessel
which, from the partial coordinates, had them South
West of Thooloora Island. After several attempts to
get near the position. stopping and switching off
engines using the vessel’s loud hailing system then
listening intently, eventually faint responses were
heard in the distance. It was determined that they
were in fact North West of Thooloora Island. Bribie 2’s tracking on AIS.
Bribie 2 made several attempts to get closer to the Bribie 2 returned the site with the Water Police vessel
stricken vessel. It was determined that Bribie 2 was following and recovered the vessel without incident,
still over 250m away and through deep mud. The crew wrapping up the assist around 0400am.
then relayed to the stricken vessel that we would have
to wait until high tide and would return at around 1am. FAREWELL DENNIS
It is with much sadness that we advise that VMR
The Water Police were informed of the rescue and the Bribie has lost one of its most colourful characters,
skipper’s father (the owner of the boat) had been in with the passing last night (11th August 2020) of
touch with the Water Police and had come from Dennis O'Neil.
Brisbane to the VMR Base. The Water Police
dispatched a small vessel from Brisbane by road to Dennis joined VMR Bribie in 2008, and was on Green
accompany Bribie 2 back to the site to recover the Sunday crew for a time before becoming a Radio
stricken vessel, which now we knew had 4 x 18 year Operator and Deputy Radio Officer for many years.
old males, all with phones (but all flat batteries), with Dennis was passionate about teaching others the
no radios and had been returning to Bribie Island after correct protocols for using a marine radio, and he was
visiting Caloundra earlier in the day, and turned right a Marine Radio Invigilator for the Australian Maritime
instead of left to the main channel around Thooloora College in Tasmania. There are many boaties around
Island. Bribie who Dennis helped get their VHF RadioLicense, with his colourful ways of making you
remember the difference between Received Mayday
and Mayday Received - and his all-time favourite the
difference between a map and a chart!
Well for Dennis, he
has called his last
Mayday and plotted
his last course on the
chart of life, and he
will be sadly missed
by all of us at VMR
Bribie.
Dennis passed away
peacefully last night,
having battled cancer
for the past few years. Thursday night 13th August 2020 volunteers were
tasked to search for a missing man on his jet ski. He
We would like to pass had become lost, late Thursday afternoon. Radio
on our sincere communication was established with the rider at
condolences to two midnight. Due to low lying heavy fog - visibility was
sons, one who lives significantly reduced. Coast Guard kept in constant
up the Sunshine Coast and the other who lives in New radio contact with the man, throughout the night, to
Zealand, and to his friend Sarah. Dennis was 74 years keep his spirits up. He was located Friday morning
old. near the Caboolture River Yellow marker.
At Dennis' request there will be no funeral, but Sarah Great work by all services involved
has asked that when things get back to normal we will
have a few drinks for Dennis.
VALE BARRY CAREW
Barry passed away
today, Thursday 13th
August after a long
battle with brain
cancer resulting from
melanoma, he was 92
years old. Barry joined
VMRBI in 2005, he
had a boat built on
Bribie which he had
kept at Spinnaker
Sound Marina. Barry
loved the social Safety Dave the Frenchie wants to remind you to"
connection with VMR Keep a proper lookout" A good lookout through sight
Bribie as he only had and sound must be kept at all times. Be aware of the
to walk across the road! Barry remained a member boating environment and take extra precautions in
even after moving to Melbourne. bad weather, restricted visibility and darkness to
assist with the early detection of other boats in the
Barry had worked for Customs in Melbourne, starting area.
around 1948, ne witnessed the violent and turbulent
years through the 1950s until the late 1970s, where All boats should use sound signals in restricted
many of Melbourne’s organised crime figures were visibility to alert others of their position. Use common
allegedly members of or connected in some way to sense and slow your boat or stop and be ready to take
the Painters and Dockers. Barry eventually branched immediate action. Be extremely cautious when
out on his own as a Customs Agent, only relinquishing operating in restricted visibility.
his licence at 90 years old. Barry was also a Board
Member of the Collingwood Football Club and a keen AMSA INSPECTION
follower of horse racing. Vessels in Australia being used for any commercial,
government or research activity must be compliant
Barry moved back to Melbourne 3 years ago to be with Australian standards and regulations. As the
nearer specialist care. He is survived by his wife national regulator, Australian Marine Safety Authority
Annie, his 4 children and 2 step-children. (AMSA) are responsible for the safety of domesticcommercial vessels and making sure obligations as The crews practiced steering by compass only (no
an owner or operator are clear and implemented. Garmin to look at on the helm) emergency drills, MOB
Recently we had all three rescue vessels inspected by (no people were dunked in the water we used a big
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and they fender), using searchlights efficiently, look out duties,
all passed. rafting, towing, radar familiarity, transporting patients
to other vessels while moving, medical scenarios , first
aid and log keeping.
It was a great training exercise thanks to Skipper Ian
Grimes for organising this for the crew. It was a great
learning exercise for everyone involved.
Thumbs up after inspection of VMR Bribie’s three rescue
vessels by AMSA Marine Inspector Gavin Ruffell, with VMR
Secretary Gary Voss and Commodore Liz Radajewski.
AMSA Marine Inspector Gavin Ruffell, with VMR Secretary
Gary Voss and Commodore Liz Radajewski on Bribie 2 with
SANDSTONE POINT HOTEL BONFIRE NIGHT
Jonkers Bribie 3 in the background.
NIGHT TRAINING
If you ever wondered how at these strange times we
look after our volunteers on and off the water, here we
have VMR Bribe Commodore Liz Radajewski with all
her safety equipment on ready to do the parking at the
Night training for crews took place last night,
Sandstone Point Hotel Bonfire Night last Saturday. It's
Wednesday 26th August 2020, as we know only too
the first fund raising parking event since covid-19
well, things look very different at night when on a SAR
started. All team members were issued with gloves
so constant practice and updating skills is needed.and face masks if they required them. Thanks to
Sandstone Point Hotel for their support.
“Do you have an out of date EPIRB? – Then you need
to dispose of it correctly!” Did you know you can bring
them into us here at the VMR base and we will
dispose of them correctly for you. Puppy Barb is
learning all things safety, as you can probably guess
it’s going to be a very long process, Poor Safety Dave.
Just ensure you update your beacon registration to
say it has been disposed of, the link is below:
https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/registration/index.asp#report
After busy Bonfire Night Parking Duties on Saturday
afternoon we also provided a safety vessel to patrol
the fireworks display at Sandstone Point Hotel in the
evening.
SUNSET DRINKS
Friday 28th August 2020 - This Friday’s event was
once again cancelled due to COVID-19 Restrictions.
VMR BRIBIE ISLAND – THE HOME OF SAFE BOATING
Don’t forget to Log On and Log Off with VMR Bribie no matter how long or
far your trip, it may be the best call you make all day!
The next Issue of Passage Ponderings is due mid December 2020, you can keep up to date on
our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Marine-Rescue-Bribie-Island-445You can also read
