Four Marine Rescue Newcastle volunteers have been presented with Commissioner’s Citations by Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews during a ceremony at the unit’s Stockton base on Monday 19 January 2026 in recognition of their role in a challenging offshore rescue.
The award recipients with Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews, Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh and City of Newcastle Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk
The rescue operation began when an EPIRB (emergency position-indication radio beacon) was activated from a sailing catamaran that had capsized approximately 10 nautical miles east of Newcastle. The activation triggered a coordinated multi-agency search and rescue effort shortly after 10am on 11 July 2019.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said rescue vessel Newcastle 30 crewed by Ronald (Ron) Calman and Richard (Rick) Nevile, navigated through rough offshore conditions to become the first rescue vessel on scene.
“Throughout the operation, the Marine Rescue Newcastle crew faced significant challenges, with winds reaching 50-90km/h and swells of two to three metres,” Inspector Raymond said.
L to R Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews Rons wife Maria, Ron Calman and Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh
L to R Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews, Ricks wife Sharon Rick Nevile, daughter Dyani and Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh
At the same time, experienced operator Geraldine Allen was supported at the unit’s radio base by Warren Bramble, who was on his first shift after gaining his radio operator qualifications.
“Geraldine and Warren were under immense pressure, managing communication with the unit’s rescue vessel NC 30 as well as communications with myself and NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Both operators maintained a high level of professionalism during the fast-paced mission,” Inspector Raymond said.
L to R Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews Geraldine Allen and Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh
Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews and Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh with Warren Brambles wife Helen and sons Luke and Scott
Like many Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, these four individuals did not seek recognition for their efforts. Through the nomination from others, Acting Commissioner Andrews had the honour of presenting citations to Master Ron Calman, Leading Crew Rick Nevile and Radio Operator Geraldine Allen. Warren Bramble’s citation was presented posthumously, with his wife Helen accepting the award on behalf of her late husband.
“The courage, professionalism and expertise of these four volunteers in treacherous conditions and the most harrowing of circumstances is deserving of a Commissioner’s Citation.
“The crew not only battled challenging on-water conditions and extreme winds, they also carried the sombre responsibility of retrieving deceased victims and returning them promptly and professionally to their grieving families.
“This commitment demonstrates their selfless dedication to the communities they serve,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
