March 8 this year was a day to remember for members of Ulladulla Division.

 

They gathered for two presentation ceremonies to recognise outstanding achievements by the South Coast division.

 

Routine mess and crew meetings aside, the crowd of more than 50 members assembled for presentation number one:  Meritorious Service certificates for a lifeboat crew who carried out a particularly gruelling rescue. late last year.

 

Crew Three members, led by skipper John F Kennedy, were presented with the awards by DOC South, Kevin Hill. Crew members Doug Musker, George McFarland and Peter Owen proudly accepted the awards for the night rescue in November 2005.

 

In atrocious conditions they undertook an 18-hour mission to rescue the stricken trawler San Guiseppe Star. Although the Ulladulla lifeboat was itself damaged in the operation, the trawler crew of three and vessel were hauled to safety from threatening rocks

 

Divcoms John Lipman (Ulladulla) and Fred Noble (adjoining Kioloa) were also presented with certificates for their part in the operation manning the radios overnight during the rescue.

 

Then followed presentation number two. With OC Peter Phillipson on hand to enjoy the day – discreetly in the background to let the members enjoy their moment in the spotlight – the division was presented with an inaugural NSW Maritime Medal.

 

This was presented to Commander Lipman by NSW Maritime recreational boating general manager Brett Moore on behalf of the NSW Government. Also on hand were Maritime South Coast regional manager Craig Whitmore, Maritime boating officer Rob Moldovan, NSW Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock and Councillor John Wilmott,  represent ting Shoalhaven City Council.

 

Ulladulla was presented with the award for members’ commitment to providing voluntary search and rescue services on the south coast which Mr Moore said were exemplified by the rescue of the San Guiseppe Star.

 

He said: “This incident response, combined with the day to day efforts of the Patrol in helping to provide an invaluable safety net and supporting role for the boating community of the South Coast, illustrates the deservedness of the patrol team for a Maritime Medal.”

 

 

Honours abound at Ulladulla

It took eight months of blood, sweat and quite a few tears, but it all paid off for members on July 21.

 

The long-awaited Commissioning and Dedication service for the Arun-class lifeboat Encounter was conducted at Ulladulla Harbour.

 

With about 80 members and visitors on hand, Federal member for Gilmore Joanna Gash insisted other guests join her for the big event and share the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

 

Among them were Shoalhaven Mayor Greg Watson and senior officers of the Coastal Patrol including Deputy Officer Commanding South, Kevin Hill from Jervis Bay.

 

Father Francis Tran of Milton-Ulladulla Catholic Church carried out the blessing before all guests were invited on board to inspect the vessel.

 

Among the guests were directors of the Bendigo Bank - which only recently joined financial supporters - and visitors from Cornwall, England, home of the Encounter in a previous “life” as the Falmouth-based lifeboat Elizabeth Anne of the RNLI.

 

Although deployed to Ulladulla late last year, the vessel required a great deal of work to bring her up to standard required by the State Government and RVCP.

 

Much of this labour was carried out by the volunteer members of the division and by local tradespeople but was hampered by numerous setback—including fickle weather while on the slips and several complex safety requirements.

Joanna Gash MP unveils the Commissioning plaque watched by Division Commander John Lipman (left), Searchmaster Keven Marshall, DOC South Kevin Hill and Shoalhaven mayor Greg Watson

Father Francis Tran blesses the newly-commissioned Encounter

Encounter tows yacht to safety

The lifeboat Encounter (right) is pictured from the deck of a yacht as she tows the vessel to safety in Ulladulla Harbour.

 

The yacht called for assistance when she was becalmed about 14 nm off Ulladulla on November 13.

 

With her motor out of action, the vessel had to wait while Encounter went to her aid. As the lifeboat arrived, the wind picked up and the yacht was able to raise sail.

 

Encounter escorted her to a point about 1 nm off shore then took her in tow to bring her safely into the harbour and put her on the wharf.

Encounter tows the yachts in on the harbour leads

 

Photo: Phil Johnson.