Our New Point Turton Rescue Vessel Coming in Late 2026

ANNOUNCING THE NAME OF OUR NEW RESCUE VESSEL – ‘MARGIE M’

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At the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol SA Inc. – Point Turton Division meeting held on Monday, 12 October 2026, members voted on a name for our new rescue vessel, which is expected to arrive later this year.

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We are proud to announce that, from all the names submitted, the successful name is ‘Margie M’, in honour of Margie Mason, who dedicated many years of service to Coastal Patrol as a radio operator.

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A special thank you to Ian Hills for sharing some wonderful words about Margie and the important role she played in supporting boaties and our service throughout the years. His words provided a valuable reminder of the dedication shown by those who helped build the foundations of our group, and an opportunity for newer members to learn more about Margie’s contribution.

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Margie was a dedicated member of the Coastal Patrol for around 27 years. She began operating the Coastal Patrol radio base, which was located on the family farm at Point Souttar, just west of Point Turton, around 1986.

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After suffering a stroke, Margie and her family moved to Yorketown to be closer to a hospital, and the Coastal Patrol radio base was relocated there as well. Despite her health challenges, Margie continued her involvement with the Coastal Patrol, remaining dedicated to her radio duties until she eventually moved into a nursing home. At that point, her son Colin took over as the full-time radio operator, having previously filled in whenever Margie was away from the radios.

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The photos below show Margie on radio duty in the Coastal Patrol radio van at Cape Spencer during the Adelaide to Port Lincoln yacht race, along with some of the awards she received in recognition of her service.

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Margie and her husband Brian travelled to Cape Spencer for many years to provide radio coverage for the Adelaide to Port Lincoln yacht race for the Coastal Patrol. They would often remain on duty until around midnight, when another radio operator took over, before beginning the long drive home to Yorketown.

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These long hours and late nights were just one example of the dedication shown by Margie and her family in helping keep boaties safe.

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A LOCAL PROFESSIONAL FISHERMAN REMEMBERS MARGIE

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One local professional fisherman has shared his own memories of Margie and the important role she played in helping keep the local boating and fishing community safe.

His first encounter with Margie was a phone call enquiring about an overdue boat that he might have seen while out fishing. Knowing the local fishermen, Margie was able to make several calls and liaise with police to help establish a starting point for a search.

He remembers her genuine care for anyone needing assistance, her countless hours of voluntary service, and her reassuring presence.

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In his words:

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“A lady with a big heart and a giant smile who always seemed to be on call.

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A true pioneer of the marine coast station, a beautiful soul.”

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These heartfelt words reflect the respect and appreciation Margie earned from the very people she helped throughout her years of service.

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Naming our new rescue vessel ‘Margie M’ is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman whose dedication helped make a difference in the lives of local boaties.

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Her legacy will continue with our new vessel, ensuring that her name and contribution to Coastal Patrol are remembered for many years to come.

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From all of us at the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol SA Inc. – Point Turton Division, we are proud to honour Margie Mason in this special way.

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Fair winds and following seas, Margie. Your legacy lives on.