THE air was emotionally charged with reminiscence, gratitude, and awe at the “10 Years On Bravery and Remembrance Breakfast,” hosted by Marine Rescue Port Stephens (MRPS) at Soldiers Point Marina.
The gathering marked a significant opportunity to reflect on the dramatic rescue operations of 6 January 2016, when a ferocious East Coast low battered the NSW coastline.
MRPS Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart opened proceedings by recalling the urgency and danger of the day that tested the skills, resilience, and courage of every volunteer and officer involved.
He described the operation as a true act of “bravery and determination,” praising the resolute expertise of watch officers and radio operators who coordinated responses under extreme pressure.
“Each rescue stands as testament to the calm resolve and dedication of our people,” Mr van der Wijngaart said. “Their work is woven into the fabric of Port Stephens and impacts all who call this beautiful Bay home.
“The legacy of those storm-ridden days are the enduring bonds forged through adversity and the reaffirmation of our commitment to service.”
Breakfast host Matt Coleborne guided attendees through a powerful timeline of events, bringing the rescues back to life.
He recounted the 11-metre seas, torrential rain, and winds of up to 150km/h, triggering a series of rapidly escalating emergencies at sea.
Over 21 hours, five separate mayday calls were received from ocean-racing yachts Out Of Sight, Gem, Amante, M3 and Marine Rescue boat 4-0.
The incidents overlapped and escalated rapidly, involving a man overboard, a knockdown, a decision to abandon-ship, and the extraordinary situation of the MRPS vessel itself needing rescue.
Those who lived through the crisis came together in the historic surrounds of Soldiers Point Marina, where the original 1960s marina owners remain as “life and founding” members of MRPS.
Operational recordings and original radio transmissions filled the room, allowing guests to hear firsthand the strain in skippers’ voices as the sea robbed them of control.
Through interviews with volunteers who were on shift, the story unfolded minute by minute.
Listeners braced as Gem crew member Sarah, recounted her memories of the crew being in “survival mode.”
With raw honesty she described the terror she felt – cold, exhausted, seasick, and unable to think over the deafening roar of water.
Her voice faltered as she recalled the heartbreak of not being able to locate experienced sailor Mal Lennon after two exhaustive search-pattern attempts.
Volunteer Laurie Nolan humbly shared how Marine Rescue boat 4-0 was placed in grave danger when a “king wave” rolled the vessel 90 degrees.
One engine was disabled, the second overheated, and navigation and communication systems were disabled. Several crew members were injured, requiring urgent first aid.
With no other boats in the vicinity capable of helping, the crew relied on the distant beam of Seal Rocks Lighthouse as their only steering reference.
Asked how he remained calm, Laurie replied, “When it hits the fan, you just do the work that needs to be done.
“You rely on your training—there’s nothing else to do but hold course and keep in contact.”
Inside the radio room, volunteer Colin Cahill remembered the dark moments when radio silence suggested both yacht M3 and rescue boat 4-0 might be lost to the battle.
“If I could’ve paddled out to help them, I would’ve,” he said.
Amante skipper Dennis Cooper admitted he was “sh*t scared” after a rogue wave struck his yacht, leaving the crew utterly exhausted after sailing for eight hours in “ridiculous conditions.”
However, he also reflected on the absolute joy ocean racing has brought him for more than 20 years.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington honoured the roll to service responders calling them “selfless, extraordinary, and exceptional heroes,” and thanking MRPS on behalf of the local community.
She passed on acknowledgement from Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib for ongoing investment and support of the vital volunteer organisation.
Guitarist Jake Folbigg closed the breakfast with quiet reflection, singing “Stand By Me.”
The song symbolised the enduring human experience of those storm-scarred days and the steadfast courage of the men and women who continue to stand by mariners in distress on the waters of Port Stephens.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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