Rescuers condemn mindless act of vandalism

Vandalism of the Hawkesbury River’s water ambulance last weekend has been condemned as a mindless act which placed lives at risk.

A Marine Rescue Hawkesbury crew responding to an emergency call to help six people aboard a sinking vessel on Sunday morning discovered the fuel lines on their vessel had been slashed.

Operations Manager Peter Moore said the boat, Water Ambulance Mooney, had been moored at the MRNSW duty wharf, near the Hawkesbury Bridge.

"MR Hawkesbury received an urgent call out from the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command (MAC) to assist with a sinking vessel near Parsley Bay on Sunday morning," Mr Moore said.

"When the crew reached the wharf, they discovered the fuel lines on the water ambulance had been cut, making it inoperable.

"Our other rescue vessel had already been called to another rescue and had to be re-tasked midway through this operation. The rescue crew made safe the vessel they were assisting before turning to the aid of the sinking vessel.

"MR and MAC crews then worked to get the six passengers to safety."

Deputy Unit Commander Merv Collins said the water ambulance was a vital resource for boaters enjoying the picturesque Hawkesbury River, as well as the community living on the river islands and in the reaches without road access.

"MR Hawkesbury is the first medical responder for the area, ferrying the sick and injured to a location where they can be transferred to ambulance for treatment," said Mr Collins.

"The stupidity of this vandalism, which hampered a rescue operation, jeopardising life and safety, is immensely frustrating for our volunteers, who give their time selflessly to help their community," he added.

"It’s just good luck that it did not result in a loss of life.”

Anyone with information should contact Hawkesbury Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Repairs have now been made and Marine Rescue Hawkesbury is ready for the Easter Weekend.