NSW Rescue Boat Damaged Before Service | Mariner News
A newly refurbished search and rescue (SAR) vessel, the Eden 30, belonging to Marine Rescue NSW, has suffered extensive damage in a collision while berthed at the Port of Eden, indefinitely deferring its planned entry into service. The incident, which occurred on August 31, compromises the critical enhancement of SAR capabilities off New South Wales.
The Eden 30 was slated for deployment on September 7 following significant interior and exterior refurbishment. This extensive work, funded by the volunteer-run nonprofit Marine Rescue NSW with its limited budget, included deck resealing, hull repair, and the installation of new communication systems.
The collision resulted in extensive structural damage above the waterline, impacting the hull, superstructure, cabin, and deck. While no injuries were reported, the unit’s operational readiness is now significantly compromised, potentially prolonging its reliance on a vessel that had been on loan since late 2022. The financial burden of additional, unplanned repairs, after the organization’s recent investment, represents a substantial setback for the volunteer service.
Built in 2006, the Eden 30 was donated to Marine Rescue NSW in March by the New South Wales Police Force, specifically to replace the temporary loaner. Marine Rescue NSW has not disclosed the identity of the other vessel involved or the precise circumstances of the collision, stating only that the ED 30 was caught between the striking vessel and the jetty, leading to a significant impact.
