History

 Today’s Bunbury Sea Rescue Group had its genesis in the Bunbury Lifeboat Foundation, which was established following the near disaster during Cyclone Alby when the yacht Peregrine was driven ashore off the Back Beach.

 The rescue was attempted using the Koombana, the Pilot Boat operated by the Bunbury Port Authority under the direction of CAPT CRS (Bob) Allsop and operated by Coxswain Doug Jennings.

 This vessel was capable of 618 September, 2006oombana was forced to return to port with engine trouble.

 Subsequently CAPT Allsop began enquiries from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute in the UK about a suitable lifeboat for Bunbury. Early indications ere that an Atlantic 21 would be suitable.

 A committee was established in 1978 under the chairmanship of Dr David Harkness assisted by Mr Les D’Vorak OAM and CAPT Bob Alllsop.

 Over the next few years saw a dedicated group raise funds to purchase a dedicated rescue vessel. In 1982 the Spirit of Bunbury was launched. This was a cathedral hull design, trailer launched and powered by 2 x 90hp outboard motors. The vessel was built in Queensland and fitted out by Millard Marine – Bunbury.

 In 1962 Condor Marine at Fremantle built the new Spirit of Bunbury II. Following 18 September, 2006. Currently plans are under consideration to acquire a inshore rescue vessel (Spectre of Bunbury) that can be launched from the beach and can access the estuary and the river, areas presently beyond the capability of the Spirit of Bunbury II.

 CAPT Allsop was instrumental in securing approval to build the present boatshed and Ray Hall was the project manager for the training and meeting room, which was added in 1998.

 With the creation of FESA the government support for the VMR Service progressed and the need for constant fundraising to maintain the rescue capability diminished. FESA support now provided 50% of capital expenditure and 75% of operating expenditure. The group is still required to raise funds, as the Emergency Services Levy does not cover marine rescue.

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