Volunteers from Marine Rescue Newcastle were deployed on board rescue vessel Newcastle 30 in challenging conditions last night to assist a sailing vessel with three people on board, which had become disabled off Stockton Beach.
Marine Rescue Newcastle Deputy Unit Commander Rick Nevile said the 12-metre sailing catamaran became disabled off Newcastle while transiting from Sydney to Port Stephens.
“The skipper of the logged on vessel called for assistance just after 9:30 pm.
“The foresail on the vessel had blown out and could not be furled, and one engine had failed.
“The crew on board the sailing catamaran were also battling issues with their anchors,” Deputy Unit Commander Nevile said.
Newcastle 30 reached the disabled vessel, which was almost four kilometres north-northeast of the harbour entrance and approximately 500 metres off Stockton Beach, just before 9:50 pm.
Deputy Unit Commander Nevile said the Newcastle 30 crew secured a line to the disabled vessel to stop it drifting closer to the beach and to assist in the recovery of its anchors before towing the vessel back to Newcastle Harbour.
“Conditions were challenging. There was heavy rain at times and a very strong south southwesterly wind that made it difficult to manoeuvre around the disabled vessel.
“The swell was also between two and three metres.
“All persons on board the disabled vessel were wearing lifejackets, and the fact the skipper was logged on with Marine Rescue NSW reduced our response time.
“We encourage all boaters to log on with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging on ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for a vessel’s safe return and saves vital time in the event of an emergency.
“The disabled sailing catamaran and its three crew were safely placed on a mooring in Newcastle Harbour just after 11:30 pm,” Mr Nevile said.
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