General News
2 June, 2026
Rescue flotilla doubles
THE Innisfail Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard has taken delivery of a new secondary rescue vessel named ‘Innisfail Rescue’.
The vessel, built by Watson Marine Centre in Gympie, was constructed over eight months from flat plate construction and has been custom-designed to meet the flotilla’s QF15 Search and Rescue specifications.
The 6.6m Vindicator half-cabin aluminium monohull vessel will replace the flotilla’s ageing rescue vessel ‘Zappy’, which has served for more than 20 years.
Zappy was named after Felippe Zappala, described by the flotilla as one of its forefathers and a long-time supporter of the organisation.
The new vessel has been funded through flotilla savings accumulated over many years and was named Innisfail Rescue in recognition of the area it serves and the support provided by the Innisfail community over the past 50 years.
Powered by twin 115hp Yamaha outboard engines, the vessel has been fitted with updated navigation, communication and safety equipment, including high-definition digital Doppler radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), VHF-DSC radio, night vision, sonar, EPIRB and internet connectivity allowing information to be transmitted directly from the Mourilyan base to the vessel while at sea.
The vessel has also been designed to fit into the flotilla’s existing boat bay with a folding radar mast, avoiding the need for costly structural changes.
According to the flotilla, Innisfail Rescue has a cruising speed of 25 knots and seating for up to four crew members inside a sheltered cabin, improving comfort during operations.
Formal entry into service is expected within four to six weeks, once skippers and crew complete training and operational assessments.
A formal commissioning and christening ceremony will be held later this year. The flotilla said the vessel would also be displayed at community events, giving residents an opportunity to inspect the new rescue craft and learn more about the organisation’s work in the region.
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