Marine Rescue NSW assists response to vessel fire on Lake Macquarie

Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie volunteers assisted a multi-agency response to a vessel fire at Wyee Bay on Lake Macquarie overnight.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Jane Shirriff said NSW Police Marine Area Command requested assistance shortly after 9pm on Monday, 10 August.

“A crew was assembled and deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 30.

“Lake Macquarie 30 headed to the Mannering Park boat ramp to collect four Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters and their hazardous materials equipment before transporting them to the vessel fire,” she said.

“The Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters worked from on board Lake Macquarie 30, but unfortunately the vessel could not be saved,” Inspector Shirriff said.

“Thankfully, the lone person on board was able to swim to shore, but the vessel was destroyed by fire and subsequently sank in approximately 4.5 metres of water.

“Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie radio operators are broadcasting safety messages to advise boaters of the hazard and urge them to keep clear of the area.

“The Lake Macquarie 30 crew returned the firefighters to the Mannering Park boat ramp before returning to base just before 1am today,” she said.