Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour completed a five-hour rescue mission last night (Thursday 21 November) after receiving a call for assistance from the skipper of a catamaran whose vessel became disabled in waters off Corindi on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said the skipper of the disabled vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW and contacted radio operators at Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour at 6 pm last night.
“One of the rudders on the 10-metre sail catamaran became disabled, and one of the engines also lost propulsion, leaving the skipper unable to make headway 18 nautical miles (33kms) northeast of Coffs Harbour,” Inspector Page said.
A volunteer crew was assembled to assist and deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Coffs Harbour 30.
“The Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour crew arrived on scene and assessed the welfare of the skipper and his vessel before taking the catamaran under tow at 8 pm.
“There was an issue with the cleat used for the towline on the catamaran, and the line had to be re-established during the tow.
“Because the catamaran was down to one rudder, it was a slow, four-hour tow back to Coffs Harbour International Marina, with the Marine Rescue NSW vessel travelling at seven knots.
“The skipper and his catamaran were safely returned to harbour, with the volunteer Coffs Harbour 30 crew Logging Off at 11:50 pm.
“It was a long night for the crew on board Coffs Harbour 30, with the 36-nautical-mile round trip taking almost five hours,” he said.
“We ask all boaters to check the integrity of the cleats on their vessels to ensure they are of sufficient size and strength to facilitate a tow if required,” Inspector Page said.
“It is pleasing that the skipper of this vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW, and we encourage boaters to Log On and Off either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16 every time they hit the water.
“Logging On ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for their safe return, and should they go overdue, a search will be initiated.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Page said.
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