Marine Rescue NSW crew rescues six paddlers on Botany Bay

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have rescued six female paddlers after two outrigger canoes capsized in challenging conditions during a race on Botany Bay this morning.

Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking was providing on-water support for the outrigger canoe racing event when the two craft overturned off Congwong Bay.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Andrew Harding said the crew of Botany Hacking 32 immediately responded, retrieving six paddlers from the water.

“Our crew assessed the condition of the paddlers and provided them with space blankets while Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking Unit Commander Aaron Blackwell coordinated with NSW Ambulance paramedics to meet the rescue vessel on shore,” Inspector Harding said.

Botany Hacking 32 transported the paddlers to Foreshore Road boat ramp, where paramedics treated one woman for hypothermia. She was later transported to hospital for further treatment.

The crew of the second outrigger was able to self-assist and safely make its way to shore.

Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking Unit Commander Aaron Blackwell said conditions on Botany Bay deteriorated rapidly.

“A rain squall whipped up along with the swell in the space of minutes, compromising visibility and making it extremely challenging on the water.

“Our volunteer crew did a wonderful job responding so quickly and getting the paddlers to shore, while our radio operators managed communications,” Unit Commander Blackwell said.