Volunteers from Marine Rescue Bermagui battled steep seas during a 4.5-hour rescue mission last night to safely return a stranded fisherman and his 10-metre vessel to Bermagui Harbour.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the skipper of the motor cruiser contacted Marine Rescue Bermagui after his vessel became disabled eight nautical miles (15km) north-east of Montague Island around 5pm on Sunday, 13 April.
“A rope had wrapped around one of the propellers on his vessel and disabled an engine. His vessel also suffered steering damage, leaving him stranded offshore.
“Because of the size of the disabled vessel, the skipper’s need to return to Bermagui, and the conditions, a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Bermagui was immediately assembled and deployed on board rescue vessel Bermagui 30,” he said.
“BG 30 reached the stranded fisherman at around 7:30pm, checked his welfare, and secured a towline for the trip back to Bermagui Harbour,” Inspector Massey said.
“Conditions were very choppy and uncomfortable offshore, with the crew returning the disabled vessel and its skipper to Bermagui Harbour just after 10pm.
“The volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Bermagui did a wonderful job in challenging conditions, but they were grateful for the full moon, which assisted with visibility.
“Our radio operators also provided excellent communication support during the mission.
“All boaters are encouraged to Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16. Logging On saves precious time in the event of an emergency and ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for their safe return,” Inspector Massey said.
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