Volunteers from the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven district completed a seven-hour search and rescue mission to save canoeists struck on the Shoalhaven River. 

35 canoeists called for assistance just after 6.30pm on Saturday, 31 August, after the group’s support boat experienced engine difficulties and were unable to return to shore.

After a two-hour journey, the Marine Rescue crew reached the group, who were 20 kilometres west of the Nowra Bridge. “Due to strong headwinds, the group were struggling to complete the return journey,” Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said. 

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) assisted with the rescue mission, due to the number of people in need of help. 

A rescue boat carried the canoeists to a nearby museum jetty where local RSF crews transported the group by bus back to Nowra. 

“Last night's mission was not only a success, it was also a great example of collaboration between local emergency service organisations,” Inspector Massey stated. 

Marine Rescue NSW completed their busiest year on record with over 4,500 search and rescue missions across the state in 2023.