Volunteers from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet have both responded to boaters stranded offshore after their vessels suffered mechanical failure today.
Radio Operators at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay took a call for assistance from a fisherman on VHF channel 16 just after 11am after his 6.5 metre boat lost power 13 kilometres off Jervis Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said the disabled vessel had two males and two children on board.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Jervis Bay 41 was deployed for the rescue mission.
“Conditions were average with bumpy seas.
“JB 41 reached the disabled vessel and towed it back to Murrays Beach boat ramp along with the four persons on board.
“Because of the conditions and distance involved, it took over an hour to return the vessel and people to shore.
“Our volunteers treated some of the people from the disabled vessel for seasickness when they arrived at the boat ramp.
“The fact that the vessel had a working marine radio saved them from being stranded at sea for lengthy period of time.
“You can’t see land that far off the coast, it is vitally important that boaters ensure their radio is working, they Log On with Marine Rescue NSW and they have all the correct safety equipment on board before heading out,” Inspector Massey said.
As JB 41 was returning with the disabled vessel in tow, volunteers at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet received a call for assistance from a boater whose vessel also succumb to mechanical failure seven kilometres offshore.
“A volunteer crew was assembled quickly with Sussex Inlet 20 tasked for the mission,” Inspector Massey said.
“The sole boater and his vessel are currently being returned to Sanctuary Point.
“Marine Rescue NSW units often have multiple responses happening at the same time and today’s incidents off the Illawarra Coast highlight the operational readiness and efficiency of our volunteers to respond swiftly to boaters in need,” Inspector Massey said.
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