Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba crew rescue man from Clarence River after boat overturns

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba rescued a man from the Clarence River this morning after his boat overturned off Goodwood Island.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said a radio operator at Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba received a call from a member of the public at 9:19 am (Friday 21 November), reporting that the person was in the water and their vessel was sinking.

“The crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Iluka Yamba 30 were out training and responded rapidly.

“Thankfully, a boater also responded and monitored the man in the water until IY 30 arrived.

“The crew on board IY 30 retrieved the man from the water while our radio operator organised an ambulance.

“The man was conscious but very cold. His 3–4 metre runabout had overturned and become inundated.

“He was transported by Iluka Yamba 30 to the Iluka boat ramp, where he was met by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

“The man was extremely fortunate; he was wearing a lifejacket which helped save his life. If it had not been for the member of the public calling through the emergency and the quick response by our volunteers, this incident could have had a much different outcome,” Inspector Murray said.

Because the man’s boat was a navigational hazard, and at the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command, volunteers on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Iluka Yamba  20 righted the vessel and towed it to shore.