Maraea's story
Maraea was visiting Shoalhaven with family from New Zealand when her children, aged between 10 and 13, decided to head out on a kayak and paddle board. The wind quickly picked up and the boys were in trouble....
Just after 11am, a call crackled over the radio at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay — a call for help. Three boys, two on a kayak and one on a stand-up paddleboard, were stranded nearly a kilometre from shore. Strong winds had ripped their paddles from their grasp, leaving them helpless and drifting.
The team aboard Jervis Bay 20 wasted no time. They powered across the water, scanning the waves until they spotted the boys — small figures in a vast bay, huddled together in the swell. Calm and focused, the crew pulled each child from the water and carried out a quick assessment before heading back toward Barfleur Beach.
The boys, aged between 10 and 13, had been enjoying a holiday with family visiting from New Zealand. They’d started their paddle in a sheltered area, but curiosity and confidence took them just a little too far. The wind did the rest sweeping them away from the safety of the shore.
“We got sucked out to sea and then lost our oars and we were stranded,” 13-year-old Rocco later said. He and the others stayed close, keeping warm the only way they could by huddling together and waiting for someone to come.
That someone was Marine Rescue Jervis Bay.
On shore, Rocco’s mum, Maraea, was overcome with relief as she watched Jervis Bay 20 return with her sons safe and sound.
“I’m just so grateful that they’re back on land and that they all stayed together,” she said. “And I’m really grateful for your crew as well for getting in there, rescuing them, and bringing them back to us safely.”
Todd's story
It was a normal morning out fishing until his boat started sinking...
The morning started like any other for Todd Alleyn, launching his tinny from Callala Bay and looking forward to some time out on the water. But by 8:30am, things had taken a serious turn.
Out near the tubes in Jervis Bay, Todd noticed something wasn’t right. Water was creeping into the hull. At first, it seemed manageable. He bailed it out. Then did it again. But each time, more water found its way in.
“I got out there and realised I was taking on a bit of water,” he said. “I bailed out my boat three times and each time, more and more was coming in. On the fourth time, it was just too much. I had to make the call.”
That call went through to Marine Rescue NSW. Within moments, a rescue vessel was tasked and en route. Nearby, MV Sycamore, out on a training exercise, also stood ready to assist.
But time was not on Todd’s side.
“Pretty much as soon as I hung up the phone and started to gather my things, I felt the boat roll,” he recalled. “There was no time. It just capsized.”
Floating in the bay, Todd did everything right. He kept calm. He stayed with his vessel. Most importantly, he had the presence of mind to hold his phone above the water and stay in contact with the rescue team.
The Marine Rescue NSW crew that spotted the glint of sunlight bouncing off the hull of the overturned tinny.
At 9:18am volunteers reached Todd. He was safe, wearing his lifejacket, and grateful.
Todd and his damaged boat were safely returned to Callala Bay boat ramp.
“Much appreciation to Marine Rescue NSW,” he said. “I’d still be out there if it wasn’t for them.”
Romy's story
A camping trip in the Brisbane Water National Park ended with a multi-agency rescue on New Year’s Eve 2022 for Romy Hodgson, her friend, and a Jack Russell called Fletcher.
A New Year’s Eve camping trip in Brisbane Water National Park changed everything for Romy Hodgson. She and a friend had been exploring the waterways by tinny with their Jack Russell, Fletcher, when they woke to find their boat partially submerged and no way out of the bush.
With no phone reception, her friend activated a Personal Locator Beacon. Within 40 minutes, a rescue helicopter appeared overhead. A voice called down, “Marine Rescue NSW is on the way,” bringing instant relief.
Soon after, Marine Rescue Hawkesbury volunteers arrived on foot to help. Calm and reassuring, they got the group to safety without hesitation.
“I was so impressed by how they handled everything,” Romy said. “They never made us feel like we’d done anything wrong.”
That day inspired Romy to join Marine Rescue NSW herself. With 20 years in the Royal Naval Reserve behind her, she knew she could give back. Today, she proudly volunteers alongside the very crew that once rescued her.
“It’s rewarding to be part of something so important. We train hard, support each other, and help people when they need it most.”
Romy still enjoys exploring the area and says she’ll go camping again—hopefully with a little less drama next time.
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