New made in WA vessels strengthen Marine Rescue capabilities
Two 12 metre custom-built search and rescue RIBs built by Dongara Marine for use by Marine Rescue units in Perth and Mandurah have officially named in a ceremony in Fremantle.
Marine Rescue Whitfords' newest vessel was named Whitfords 2. Delivered by Dongara Marine in August 2025, it is the first full width cabin version of our 12 metre RIB.
Named Rita G and delivered just prior to the ceremony, Marine Rescue Mandurah's new vessel is another of the successful full walkaround cabin variants, three of which had been delivered previously.
Both vessels are powered by a pair of 450hp Yamaha outboards giving a maximum speed of approximately 45 knots, are in AMSA NSCV 2C Survey for six crew and six special persons, and have 1500 litre fuel tanks.
All new Marine Rescue vessels are built under contract to the Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Western Australia's Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. Paul Papalia, released the following statement at the ceremony which was held in Fremantle on 7 March 2026.
Four new and advanced vessels have been handed over to volunteers at Cockburn, Mandurah, Whitfords, and Fremantle Marine Rescue, strengthening emergency response capability across some of Western Australia's busiest waterways.
Funded through the Cook Government's Marine Capital Grants Program, the $5.5 million investment has delivered cutting-edge vessels that are made in WA to help keep Western Australians safe on the water.
These Marine Rescue groups are among the busiest and oldest in the State, all formed in the 1960s and 70s and attended more than 1,500 incidents combined in 2025.
The new vessels feature advanced search and rescue capabilities including night vision technology and improved radio communications. The vessels are also purpose built to withstand challenging waters, allowing crews to respond quickly and safely when seconds count.
The naming ceremony was attended by representatives of the family of Sister Rita Augustine Goodchild, who was one of the survivors of a boating accident in the Peel Inlet in 1959, during which a Catholic Irish priest and three nuns sadly lost their lives after their boat overturned.
The incident resulted in the formation of Marine Rescue Mandurah. Their new vessel has been named Rita G in memory of Sister Goodchild.
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"Searches and rescues at sea are incredibly time-sensitive, high stakes, and often performed in extremely difficult conditions, so having the right equipment to scan vast areas of ocean can make all the difference in saving lives.
"This significant $5.5 million investment from the Cook Government ensures volunteers have the tools they need to continue their vital work.
"The handover marks an important milestone for the dedicated volunteers who have supported these services over decades through hard work, commitment, and community spirit.
"The State Government thanks all Marine Rescue volunteers for their tireless efforts and ongoing service to Western Australians."
