Thirsty Sound marine rescue unit joins Marine Rescue Queensland

A volunteer marine rescue unit with almost 46 years of service in Central Queensland has joined Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), with the Thirsty Sound Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association now operating as MRQ Thirsty Sound.

The flotilla was established in 1980 by local volunteers to address a communications blackspot between Yeppoon and Mackay, improving safety for boaters in the region's remote waters. Thirteen members transition to the new unit today.

MRQ Thirsty Sound covers about 4,500 square nautical miles, supporting boaters across the Shoalwater Bay, Broadsound, Cape Townshend, St Lawrence and Percy Islands regions. The area is known for fishing, crabbing and recreational boating.

MRQ Acting Chief Officer Mark Anderson welcomed the volunteers into the statewide organisation. "The volunteers of Thirsty Sound have built an extraordinary legacy of community service over almost 46 years," he said.

Unit Commander Colin Strohfeldt said the move was an important milestone. "For many years, volunteers even used their own boats to respond to emergencies. The community then spent almost two decades fundraising to help us purchase our first dedicated rescue vessel," Mr Strohfeldt said.

AVCGA National Commodore Matthew Semmens thanked members for their contribution to Coast Guard and wished them well in the next chapter.

MRQ is the first statewide, State Government-funded volunteer marine rescue service. It is part of Queensland Police Service but is a separate service with its own identity, structure, governance and uniforms.

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or radio VHF 16. For assistance or information, call 131MRQ (131677). Boaters are urged to log their journeys, always wear a lifejacket, check the weather forecast and fuel, charge their phones, and tell family and friends where they are going.