25 December 2009

Christmas Day Tragedy
Police and Albury & Border Rescue Squad members were called to the Hume Weir at Bowna Reserve, about 17km north of Albury at about 8.15pm Christmas night to search for 2 men missing after their boat capsized on Lake Hume. The men had been on a fishing trip when their boat capsized in choppy water, on board were two adults and an 8 year old; thankfully he had a life jacket on. The eight year old managed to swim to shore and run to a nearby farm house to raise the alarm.
The owners of the property put their own boat on the water and managed to locate the second male clinging to a tree in the Lake they also located their upturned boat. The VRA attended and had two Rescue boats in the water to search for the missing person and also recover the boat. The search was suspended about 10.15pm due to the lack of light and for the safety of rescuers. Plans were made to resume again at 6am Boxing Day.
Both the eight year old and male found clinging to the tree were taken to hospital however both had only suffered very minor injuries.
Divers from Albury & Border Rescue Squad and the Corowa Rescue Squad were called to assist with the search. Divers quickly found items from the overturned boat such as a hand fishing line which indicated that they were searching the correct area. Divers had to contend with very poor visibility, with only about 40cm visible, this was due to the silt stirred up with recent storms in the area. At approximately 9.15am divers located the body of the missing man at the bottom of the Lake. VRA Divers and personnel recovered the body and brought it ashore for the Police and Coroner.
Stuart Dye, Albury’s Captain, said the accident was a tragedy given that it was Christmas day.

12 December 2009

Photos and news article on the opening of the new Rylsone Kandos Rescue complex.

5 December 2009

Mudgee Rescue Squad NSW-VRA had its annual end of year dinner and Volunteers medal presentation.
The dinner was held at the Mudgee Woolpack Restaurant with guests from Rural Fire Service, NSWFB, Family and friends.
The NSW-VRA Volunteers medals were presented by NSW-VRA president Gary Raymond. Gary gave a brief of history of statistics of the NSW-VRA and it being the 40th anniversary of the organisation, congratulating members on their volunteering, dedication and time as well congratulating members wives and family for their support and other agencies in their support with the NSW-VRA great night out was enjoyed by all.  

Yours in Rescue

Garry Dollisson
Secretary Mudgee Rescue Squad Inc.