Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie have rescued five people following an outrigger canoe rollover on the Hastings River bar this evening.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie were alerted to the unfolding emergency just after 5.30pm today (Tuesday 10 November).
“Six people were reported to be in the water. One, who was believed to be injured, was initially taken on board a second outrigger canoe before being transferred to shore by Surf Life Saving NSW, where they were assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were deployed on both Marine Rescue Port Macquarie rescue watercraft (jet skis), along with rescue vessel Port Macquarie 21,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said conditions were dangerous on the bar, with a hazardous surf warning in place.
“The five remaining paddlers were retrieved by our volunteers, taken on board Port Macquarie 21, assessed and safely returned to shore,” he said.
“Marine Rescue NSW advises people using powered or non-powered craft to check conditions every time they go out on the water.
“When a hazardous surf warning is in place, people should consider changing or delaying their plans.
“Coastal bars are dangerous at the best of times, and they are certainly no place to be during hazardous conditions.
“This group of paddlers is extremely lucky that others, including Surf Life Saving NSW and the skilled and dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie, both on the water and in the radio room, came to their assistance,” Inspector Sullivan said.
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