Missing couple, Carnival Cruise

10.05.13

The search for a missing couple who fell overboard a cruise ship is due to commence again this morning. Paul Rossington, 30, and Kristen Schroder, 27, from NSW fell overboard the Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship off the NSW coast more than 24 hours ago.

Emergency services still hold hope the couple might still be alive. A Naval ship and helicopter that are in the area on an exercise have been diverted, and will join NSW Police and Australian Search and Rescue in the search.

Sydney’s Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter commenced the search yesterday afternoon off the Sydney coast and by last night, had been diverted to Port Macquarie.

The helicopter has been using a Thales thermal imaging camera to detect body heat signatures in the water. The Westpac Life Saver will remain in the area, acting as the rescue helicopter should any person or object such as clothing be located that requires extraction.

“The search area covers a massive part of the ocean off the NSW mid-north coast,” said Westpac Life Saver CEO, Stephen Leahy.

“It is up to 80 kilometres offshore and extends down the coast from Port Macquarie south towards Port Stephens.

“Everyone is still treating this as a search and rescue mission for two survivors and we all hope to find them today,” said Mr Leahy.

The search area is approximately 1,000 square kilometres of ocean.

Cliff fall, North Bondi

08.05.13

Tasked by NSW Police to rescue a male who had fallen from a cliff at North Bondi. Lifesaver 1 winched the rescue crewman to the rocks and stabilised the patient. He then liaised with Police and Ambulance personnel at the scene to determine the safest recovery. It was decided the best option was for the Ambulance helicopter to winch the person to safety.

Possible surfer in trouble, Bondi

05.05.13

Surf Life Saving notified the Westpac Life Saver that their assistance may be required after a surfboard was found washed on the beach south of North Bondi SLSC. Shortly after Lifesaver 1 conducted an extensive search of the rocks and beach areas and out to sea but no one was found.

Beacon search, Sydney Basin

02.05.13

Tasked by Australian Search and Rescue to respond to an activated distress beacon in the Sydney Basin area. An extensive search from Narrabeen to the Spit Bridge, Harbour Bridge and Iron Cove Bridge was conducted. The beacon was heard at 6,000 feet in the Cockatoo Island area. After refuelling, the search continued but nothing was located.