A lone sailor was safely returned to Ulladulla Harbour last night after his 12 metre yacht suffered damaged boom controls while transiting south to Ulladulla.
Marine Rescue Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski said the vessel was struggling to make way in light winds and a northerly current because of the damage.
“Our radio operators were keeping watch over the vessel which was Logged On and proactively checked in with the skipper to ensure his welfare because of the slow speed he was travelling and his expected late arrival into harbour.
“At 5pm the skipper confirmed he was 9 kilometres north of Ulladulla and 3 kilometres offshore and requested assistance to get to harbour,” Unit Commander Samulski said.
A volunteer crew was immediately assembled and rescue vessel Ulladulla 30 deployed.
“UL 30 reached the yacht at 6pm and took it under tow.
“The vessel was towed to the entrance of Ulladulla Harbour before the skipper guided his yacht to the courtesy mooring under the direction of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers at 6:40pm.
“The fatigued skipper was thankful to be in harbour and extremely grateful for the assistance provided by our volunteer radio operators and crew.
“This incident highlights the benefit of Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW and checking in with our radio operators regularly during a voyage.
“Because the skipper had Logged On it provided a safety net for him and allowed our radio operators to initiate a rapid response.
“Boaters are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW by using the free app or VHF Channel 16, it only takes a minute to Log On and protect a lifetime,” Unit Commander Samulski said.
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