Volunteer crews from Marine Rescue NSW completed to 404 search and rescue missions across the state in February, including 140 emergency responses, safely returning 847 people to shore.
Volunteers on board Port Stephens 31 return from a mission – Photo by Lianne Manley
The February total brings the number of missions performed over summer (December to February) to almost 1,700, highlighting the sustained demand placed on volunteers during the peak summer period.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said while volunteers stand ready to respond around the clock, many incidents could have been avoided with better preparation.
“February was another busy month for our volunteers, who responded to 404 incidents across NSW, including life-threatening emergencies,” Commissioner Andrews said.
Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry
“Sixty per cent of responses were for engine, battery and fuel issues. These are largely preventable problems. Boaters must ensure their vessel is properly maintained, carry sufficient clean fuel including a reserve, and check their battery before heading out.
“There is a fine line between a great day on the water and a dangerous situation. Preparation and planning are critical,” he said.
Crews responded to a dozen capsized vessels during the month and were involved in numerous multi-agency missing person searches including along the Northern NSW coastline, on waters near Forster and off Maroubra as well as an intensive night search on Lake Jindabyne where three kayakers were located safe and well on an isolated island.
Marine Rescue Hawkesbury was the 7th busiest unit in the state in February
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was again the busiest unit in the state, completing 61 search and rescue missions last month.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the Northern Rivers experienced their busiest February on record, completing 40 search and rescue missions, including 22 emergency responses, and safely returning 94 people to shore. It was the region’s strongest February performance, surpassing the 34 missions conducted in 2023. Across the Illawarra, crews were also in high demand, completing 46 search and rescue missions, equalling the region’s February record set last year.
Commissioner Andrews said Marine Rescue NSW radio operators also played a vital role in keeping boaters safe.
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Middle Harbour 30 returns a stranded boater to safety
“In February, our radio operators managed 18,864 calls, including nine MAYDAYs and five PAN PANs, and kept watch over 24,241 people on board 7,322 vessels that had Logged On.
“Logging On is quick, simple and could save your life. Boaters can Log On 24 hours a day via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16. When you Log On, our volunteers monitor your safe return. If you become overdue, a search can be initiated without delay.
“It only takes a minute to Log On, but it can save precious time in an emergency.”
Marine Rescue Ulladulla
Commissioner Andrews urged boaters not to become complacent with just under seven weeks still to run in the boating season.
“Whether you are fishing offshore, crossing a bar, or enjoying time on enclosed waters, always wear a lifejacket, check the weather forecast and conditions, ensure you have the required safety equipment on board and make preparation part of every trip.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to respond at any hour, but we would much rather see everyone return home safely without needing our assistance,” he said.
Navigating on board Shoalhaven 30
Breakdown of February 2026 search and rescue missions by region
NORTHERN RIVERS **REGION RECORD**
40 search & rescue missions including 22 emergency responses with 94 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Locations of highest demand: Point Danger 20, Ballina 7, Brunswick 6
Marine Rescue Point Danger crew members sharpen their navigation skills
MID NORTH COAST
33 search & rescue missions including 17 emergency responses with 50 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Locations of highest demand: Coffs Harbour 9, Forster Tuncurry 9, Port Macquarie 7
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST
121 search & rescue missions including 36 emergency responses with 221 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water & Terrigal.
Locations of highest demand: Lake Macquarie 61, Brisbane Water 17, Lemon Tree Passage 13
GREATER SYDNEY
131 search & rescue missions including 26 emergency responses with 313 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Locations of highest demand: Botany Port Hacking 41, Sydney State Communications Centre 33, Middle Harbour 20
Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking responds to a disabled vessel offshore
ILLAWARRA **EQUAL REGION RECORD**
46 search & rescue missions including 23 emergency responses with 102 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Locations of highest demand: Port Kembla 12, Shoalhaven 11, Jervis Bay 9
MONARO
33 search & rescue missions including 16 emergency responses with 67 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Locations of highest demand: Batemans Bay 9, Bermagui 7, Eden 5
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
