A Marine Rescue NSW volunteer has been awarded the Star of Courage for saving the lives of two of his crew mates when their rescue vessel was repeatedly knocked down on its side in a harrowing rescue mission in treacherous conditions in 2016.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens Coxswain, Laurie Nolan (pictured, below) received the prestigious award this week in recognition of his courage in the face of great peril as the crew of rescue vessel Port Stephens 40 battled 50 knot winds and six metre seas to save a disabled racing yacht.
Fourteen other members of the unit have been awarded national Bravery Medals for their service to the community and courage in the yacht mission and a series of other operations in wild conditions on January 6 and 7, 2016, including responding to five mayday calls and a search for a lost yachtsman.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos congratulated Mr Nolan and his 14 colleagues after the Australian Bravery Decorations were announced by the Governor-General.
“We take great pride in this national recognition of our 15 volunteers,” said Commissioner Tannos.
“It is entirely fitting that we, as a community, thank them for their extraordinary service to our community and courage,” he said.
“They faced danger and risk with bravery and fortitude, putting the safety of others before their own to fulfil our mission of saving lives on the water.
“Mr Nolan’s selflessness in saving his fellow crew members from being entangled and dragged under water was the finest demonstration of mateship and the Australian volunteering ethos.”
Mr Nolan was awarded the first Marine Rescue NSW Medal for Valour for his outstanding courage.
In all, 21 crew members and radio operators received Commissioner’s Commendations and Citations for their efforts over the two days.
On January 6, 2016, a number of racing yachts were caught in severe weather lashing the Hunter coastline.
Experienced sailor, Mal Lennon lost his life when he was washed overboard from his vessel, Amante.
Port Stephens volunteers, along with the NSW Police Marine Area Command at Nelson Bay, responded to a string of emergencies, including five separate Maydays, as well as searching for Mr Lennon.
That evening, PS 40 headed out in the dark to save the yacht, M3, which was disabled and being blown up the coastline.
After battling the conditions for five hours, the 32-tonne vessel was hit by a wall of water at 2am, knocking it on to its port side and throwing the crew on deck off their feet.
As the boat righted itself, a second large wave hit.
Mr Nolan regained his footing and went to the aid of one his crewmates, who had suffered a dislocated shoulder, helping him to free his safety line and reach the cabin.
Realising another member was pinned to the deck by his safety line wrapped around 30m of towline and deck furniture, Mr Nolan quickly grabbed his knife from his belt, severed the lifeline and pulled him inside to safety.
When the boat was knocked down for a third time, the whole crew rallied to save the vessel and successfully navigate the hazardous trip back to base.
Commissioner Tannos said the crew members’ skill, experience and determination were second to none.
