Busy Start to February for Marine Rescue Queensland Whitsunday

It has been a busy start to February for Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) Whitsunday crews, with multiple late-night medivacs and a large-scale search and rescue operation keeping volunteers on the water across the region.

Stinger Medivac Turns Into Multi-Stop Activation

On 10 February, what began as a straightforward medical evacuation quickly evolved into a complex, multi-stage activation stretching into the early hours of the morning.

MRQ Whitsunday was initially tasked just before 10pm to retrieve a stinger victim from a yacht at Haslewood Island and transfer the patient to a waiting helicopter.

“We have been tasked by QAS/VTS to convey a stinger victim from his yacht on Chalkies to a waiting chopper on the beach. No more info available,” Skipper Shane said he was told.

However, incorrect coordinates, rough seas and shifting information added complications. At one point, crews were advised the patient had already been transferred by a passing yacht.

“No sooner had we turned for home than the radio crackled a new task. ‘Could you call into Hamilton Island on the way and pick up a patient’,” Skipper Shane said.

The combined activation — including a stop at Hamilton Island for a second medivac — took more than three and a half hours, with crews returning to base around 2am before completing refuelling, washdowns and paperwork closer to 3am.

“We don't risk our people for the sake of property,” Skipper Shane said, explaining the decision not to attempt towing a vessel in dangerous night conditions.

Dual-Vessel Search for Missing Kayaker

On 29 January, both MRQ Whitsunday vessels, WS11 and WS31, were deployed as part of a police-led search and rescue operation for a missing kayaker last seen at 5.30pm without a life jacket.

“A search and rescue was required for someone on a surf ski without a life jacket, missing since 5:30 pm. It was now close to 8pm,” Skipper Shane said.

Crews battled rough 20-knot south-easterly winds as they conducted coordinated search patterns near South Molle and Long Island.

“At 25 knots getting buffeted was no buffet,” Skipper Shane said.

The missing kayaker was eventually located by helicopter close to shore, where crews had predicted he may have drifted.

“We punched through the waves to get home and cleaned up by 10:20pm.”

Medivac Under a Full Moon

Earlier in the month, on 2 February, MRQ Whitsunday responded to another medical evacuation from Hamilton Island.

Despite the urgency, conditions were calm, with crews travelling under a full moon.

“Once the pre starts and risk assessments were done, we headed off with a light wind and a stunning full moon! It was a perfect night,” Coxswain Nat R said.

After collecting the patient from Hamilton Island Marina, crews transported them safely back to the mainland.

“The full moon on the water was really special.”

Volunteers Answering the Call

The February activations highlight the vital role MRQ Whitsunday volunteers play across the region, responding to emergencies at all hours and in all conditions.

From search and rescue missions to complex inter-island medical evacuations, crews continue to work closely with Queensland Ambulance Service, police and other agencies to ensure the safety of locals and visitors across the Whitsundays.

1. MRQ Whitsunday responded to a medical evacuation situation under the light of a full moon. Photo source: MRQ Whitsundays
2. MRQ Whitsundays works primarily to save lives at sea. Photo source: MRQ Whitsundays