Police are appealing for public assistance across the Mid-North Coast after a number of rescue boats in the wider region were deliberately damaged and rendered unusable.
On the evening of Saturday, November 24, four government-owned vessels were moored at a wharf in Coffs Harbour.
The following morning, Sunday, November 25, it was discovered that the vessels had been damaged, and vital rescue equipment had been taken.
The details of the damage recorded include:
– A 9.5-metre rigid inflatable NSW Volunteer Marine Rescue boat was slashed, causing it to deflate. The vessel required extensive repairs and was unusable for a month. The main purpose of the vessel is search-and-rescue missions for distressed vessels at sea. The NSW Volunteer Marine Rescue boat was on-call during the night of the offence and, in turn, would have been unusable in the event of a search-and-rescue mission.
– A 6.8-metre rigid inflatable NSW State Fisheries Boat was slashed, causing it to deflate. Safety and navigation equipment including life jackets, an anchor, binoculars, SD cards and a spotlight were also taken from the vessel. As a result of this, the boat required extensive repairs and was rendered unusable for a month.
– A NSW Marine Parks authority boat had its hydraulic steering system, depth sounder transducer and engine wiring harness damaged. An SD card was also taken from the vessel’s chart plotter, rendering the navigation aid useless.
– A 16-metre NSW Police boat had its boat hook, bilge pump and port fuel tank filler cover stolen. The vessel is used for search-and-rescue missions for distressed vessels at sea. The NSW Police boat was on-call during the night of the offence and would have been unusable in the event of a search-and-rescue mission.
Detective Inspector Darren Schott, Crime Manager from the NSW Marine Area Command, is appalled someone would seek to damage boats used in search-and-rescue missions.
“Here we have marked rescue boats being specifically targeted,” Det Insp Schott said.
“I find it unbelievable that anyone would seek to destroy vessels used in search-and-rescue missions.
“Our officers have obtained CCTV imagery that we have released today of an Isuzu NRP 200 medium truck which was in the area on the night of November 24.
“We are hoping to speak to the occupant/s of the truck, who we believe may have information that could assist with our inquiries.
“I’d urge anyone with information about this incident to contact police and assist in bringing those involved to justice,” Det Insp Schott said.
Anyone with information about this incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
