Nine people have been returned safely to shore by volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie after the commercial vessel they were on started taking on water 5.5 kms off Swansea Heads this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said radio operators at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie received a call from the skipper of the disabled vessel just before 9am today (Sunday 12 Jan, 2025).
“The commercial vessel was taking on water and at risk of sinking. Multiple assets from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie were tasked for the response with rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 30 and both rescue watercraft (jet skis) arriving on scene within 20 minutes.
“Nine people were taken on board Lake Macquarie 30 with the support of both rescue watercraft,” he said.
“Lake Macquarie 30 was met by rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 31 at the bar where four people were transferred on board the second rescue boat,” Inspector Raymond said.
“Both Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie vessels then transported the nine people safely back to the Swansea RSL wharf, no injuries were reported.
“Lake Macquarie 30 then returned to the stricken vessel and assisted the skipper.
“The six-metre commercial vessel was secured and towed to Blacksmiths boat ramp.
“This morning’s response was a rapid team effort by our dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.
“To have the nine people safely on board the rescue vessel and returned to shore in less than 45 minutes shows how highly skilled they are,” Inspector Raymond said.
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