A couple whose voyage down the NSW North Coast turned into a dramatic struggle for survival have highlighted the need for boaters to be sure they and their vessels are prepared if the worst happens.
At the start of the annual boating season, there’s no better time for boaters to make sure they’re ready for a safer summer on the water.
Guy Peluso and partner Colleen were 6 nautical miles south of Ballina on board their 45 foot cruiser when their trip down the coast turned into a nightmare about 2am on June 12.
They were saved not just by the exceptional efforts of the emergency services who responded to their Mayday call but also by their own good preparation – so that when the unthinkable happened, they were able to swing into action and give themselves the best possible chance of being rescued.
Travelling in the darkness and battered by a 2m swell and strong westerly winds, Mr Peluso steered closer to shore to seek calmer conditions. A sudden noise against the hull and a change in performance signaled something was wrong. By torchlight, he quickly saw the cruiser was taking on water – and fast.
Mr Peluso said the couple had planned for this type of emergency and quickly swung into action.
“We had a several plans for emergency – depending on its urgency and nature. We had recently replaced the reflective tape on our lifebuoys, had plenty of lifejackets on board, an EPIRB, head torches, flare kit and waterproof phone case,” he said.
“Having radioed Marine Rescue Ballina for assistance, we knew rescue services were on the way but when our attempts to get ourselves into our dinghy failed and we lost our torches, flares and iPad navigation aid, it was clear we were going to have to go into the water.”
Donning lifejackets and clutching their EPIRB, waterproof phone, boat fender and reading glasses – to read the EPIRB screen – they jumped into the water, activating their EPIRB and calling Triple Zero as they clung together in the swell.
According to Mr Peluso, the sound of a helicopter still has him staring skywards thinking of that night in water and the bravery of the rescue crews – on water and in the air – who came to their aid.
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter spotted the couple in the sea and guided the crew of rescue vessel Ballina 30 to them. But once on board the vessel, a hazardous bar crossing still had to be navigated.
“I vividly remember the helicopter lighting our path through the crashing breakers, with the bar breaking from break wall to break wall,” he said.
“Both Colleen and I are filled with admiration and gratitude for the heroes who rescued us that night.”
Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the emergency might have had a very different outcome if the couple had not been so well prepared.
“By having the necessary safety and survival equipment on board, having a plan and adapting to changes such as the loss of their dinghy, Guy and Colleen were able to give rescuers the greatest chance of finding them alive,” he said.
“With the boating season upon us, ensure you and your vessel are ready. Have a survival plan, check your vessel and safety equipment are in good repair, understand and adapt to weather conditions.
“Log On as with Marine Rescue are you head out on VHF Channel 16 or on the free MarineRescue app so our volunteers can keep watch and make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.”
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