MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
10 July 2026
Publishers note
There can be no doubt that I have substantial admiration for all the services that help us on the water. While much of my ongoing commentary has focused on the volunteer rescue services, the many other organisations, including Water Police, AMSA, Surf Life Saving, Westpac and other helicopter rescue teams, are equally deserving of our utmost respect.
A story popped up this week that really touched our team, to the point that it became the subject of extensive conversation in the office. In this instance, a rescue operation was launched involving Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, Port Stephens Water Police and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
What particularly touched the team was a comment made by 77-year-old fisherman John ‘Stinker’ Clarke, who was the beneficiary of these united services following his remarkable survival at sea. Mr Clarke’s overturned vessel had smashed against rocks approximately 400 metres southwest of Fingal Lighthouse. A short time later, Mr Clarke, wearing a lifejacket, was found in the water nearby.
In his comments, he said:
“As it got dark, I thought I was coming to the end of the line, I didn’t panic. I just thought, if I’m going to survive, a helicopter will have to come.
“And if a helicopter comes, they’ll contact Water Police, and Sergeant Clint Brown – who I’ve known since he was 12 – will come and pick me up.
“And that’s exactly what happened.”
How good is that? What a fabulous story, and what a powerful reminder of the people and services standing ready when things go wrong on the water.
Read the full story in this eNews or in Marine Business News.
We do hope you enjoy this week’s news.
#ETRWYW
Marine Business News is an Australian-owned marine industry news service publishing local and international news. If you have news stories you would like to share, please let us know by contacting our newsroom via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au.
Stay safe on the water,
Domenic Genua - Publisher
It will be necessary to click on “View Entire Message” in some browsers to view this entire eNews.
This week's news...
Nicole Watts PSM appointed Executive Director of NSW Maritime
Nicole Watts PSM has been appointed Executive Director of NSW Maritime at Transport for NSW, taking on leadership of one of the state’s most important maritime agencies. NSW Maritime plays a central role in keeping waterways ...
Multi-agency crews reunite with fisherman rescued off Port Stephens
Emergency services personnel involved in the rescue of John ‘Stinker’ Clarke recently have reunited with the 77-year-old fisherman following his remarkable survival at sea. About 6pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026, emergency services were alerted ...
Dometic Marine charts its own course with dedicated Global Social Channels
The launch of Dometic Marine’s dedicated global social media channels marks an exciting new chapter for the brand. As Dometic Marine continues to expand its portfolio and strengthen its presence around the world, the new channels provide a ...
Putney Wharf: Understanding the masterplan and marina berths
Putney Wharf has been conceived as a waterfront precinct that supports real daily living, where boating, dining, transport and home life intersect naturally. Rather than treating the marina as a standalone facility, the masterplan positions it as an ...
2026 Australia Tahiti Rendezvous record-breaking edition
The Australia Tahiti Rendezvous, one of the superyacht industry’s most enduring Pacific traditions, has delivered its most successful edition to date. Held from 25 to 26 June at Marina Taina, Papeete, Tahiti, this year’s event welcomed more than 150 visiting ...
Why incident response is a business priority
It’s early on a Saturday when your phone starts ringing. Not a text. Not an email. A phone call – the kind that rarely brings good news. A staff member sounds panicked. They can’t access their files, email isn’t working, and a payment demand has ...
AMSA appoints Greg Witherall as Executive Director Operations
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has appointed experienced maritime leader Greg Witherall as Executive Director Operations, effective immediately. A Master Mariner with more than 30 years’ experience across the maritime sector, Mr Witherall brings ...
Teledyne promotes Michelle Hildyard to GM of Raymarine and FLIR Marine
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated has announced the promotion of Michelle Hildyard to General Manager of its Teledyne Raymarine and Teledyne FLIR Marine brands. Hildyard, based in Fareham, England, will lead the company’s Raymarine marine ... electronics business and its FLIR Marine
It will be necessary to click on “View Entire Message” in some browsers to view this entire eNews.
In other news...
