A boater had a fortunate escape after his five-metre runabout suffered engine failure and drifted dangerously close to rocks off Huskisson last night.
The vessel was spotted by the wife of the volunteer who would go on to skipper the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay response vessel, Jervis Bay 20, just before 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 18 August). The vessel appeared to be in trouble off Shark Net Beach, just south of the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay base.
She contacted her husband, a Marine Rescue Jervis Bay skipper, who immediately alerted volunteer radio operators and initiated a response before taking command of Jervis Bay 20.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Andrew Harding said Jervis Bay 20 was deployed just after 6pm.
“When our crew arrived, the skipper of the disabled vessel was standing knee-deep in water, attempting to stop his vessel from grounding on rocks.
“He had suffered engine failure and had been trying unsuccessfully for some time to restart his five-metre runabout.
“A tow line was secured to the disabled vessel and, along with its skipper, it was safely returned to Woollamia boat ramp,” he said.
“The boater was extremely lucky that conditions were calm and his vessel did not ground on the rocks,” Inspector Harding said.
“He was also fortunate that a member of the public observed the situation and acted, but a boater needing assistance should never hesitate to call Marine Rescue NSW or 000 if requiring help.
“There have been many incidents in the past where engine failure in the wrong place can lead to a life-threatening situation. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case last night.
“All boaters are encouraged to perform regular maintenance on their vessels and ensure they are in good working order before heading out on the water.
“The rescue vessel skipper and crew, supported by a volunteer radio operator, executed an impressive response in the dark, with their dedicated training again leading to a successful mission,” he said.
