Bunbury Sea Rescue 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 a 24’ Endeavour 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 only capable of 6 - 8 knots and was forced to return to port with engine trouble in the bad weather.

Subsequently enquiries were made from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute in the UK about a suitable lifeboat for Bunbury. Early indications are that an Atlantic 21 would be suitable. This was a Rigid Hull Inflatable inshore lifeboat.

 A committee was established in 1978 under the chairmanship of Dr David Harkness assisted by Mr Les D’Vorak OAM to manage the project.

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 1982 Condor Marine at Fremantle built the new Spirit of Bunbury II. This vessel was retired last year after 17 years of faithful service.  Spirit’s last heroic service was the rescue of the yacht Dawn Glory on passage from South Africa lying disabled 40 nautical miles offshore in stormy conditions. The rescue crew were recognised with a commendation by the WA Water Police for their efforts in this rescue.

During the last two years a number of incidents occurred in the Leschenault Estuary and inshore waters where “Spirit” was unable to operate. Funds were raised to purchase a twin engine 6.5 metre Trailcraft a 4.2 metre Quintrex and a second hand troop carrier to act as both a towing vehicle and a forward command post.

CAPT Bob Allsop was instrumental in securing approval to build the present boatshed during the early 80s and Life Member Ray Hall was the project manager for the training and meeting room, which was added in 1998.

Under the current leadership the group has constructed a new boatshed to house its assets, stage 1 of the floating jetty system and is rebuilding the slipway and extending the old boatshed to house the new vessel.

With the creation of FESA, the government support for the VMR Service progressed and the need for constant fundraising to maintain the actual rescue capability, including the payment for fuel, diminished. The group is still required to raise funds, as the Emergency Services Levy does not cover marine rescue.

The new vessel due to be delivered in September is a 10.6 metre Ocean Cat powered by 2 x 370 hp engines and fitted with the state of the art electronics well capable of off shore rescues.

Currently Bunbury Sea Rescue has a membership of 23 members.

To date Bunbury Sea Rescue has of their own efforts raised from a number of sources over $400,000 towards the cost of a $688,000 vessel.

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