Two anglers are lucky to be alive after their boat overturned approximately 46 kilometres off the NSW South Coast yesterday afternoon (Monday 12 October), triggering a multi-agency rescue.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Allan said the men’s decision to carry essential safety equipment, including a personal locator beacon (PLB), helped ensure they were located and rescued.
The anglers logged on with Marine Rescue Bermagui earlier in the day before heading offshore in their 5.5-metre open runabout. They had planned to return by 6pm.
Just before 3.45pm, Marine Rescue Bermagui was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command to respond to a PLB signal received by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority off Barragga Bay.
“A volunteer crew was quickly assembled and deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Bermagui 30.
“While Bermagui 30 was en route to the beacon’s location, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter located the two anglers, winched them from the ocean and returned them safely to shore,” Inspector Allan said.
Conditions offshore had deteriorated, with a 1-2 metre swell and south-westerly winds reaching 25 knots.
Image: PLBs are compact and help save lives
“It’s believed both anglers had hooked fish and, while lifting one on board, their boat overturned, leaving them in the water,” Inspector Allan said,
“When something like this happens, you are relying on your safety equipment. Thankfully, these anglers were carrying the right gear and activated their PLB to raise the alarm.
“Without that beacon, they could have been left treading water and clinging to an overturned vessel 46 kilometres offshore for more than two hours before their planned return time triggered overdue procedures.
“That is a serious, potentially life-threatening situation.
“When boaters log on with Marine Rescue NSW, they provide details of their trip and expected return time. If they fail to return as planned, our radio operators escalate efforts to locate them.
“Boaters can log on using the free Marine Rescue NSW app (pictured below) or via VHF channel 16.
“We cannot stress enough that layers of safety save lives. Carrying a PLB and having emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) on board, wearing a lifejacket and logging on with Marine Rescue NSW all improve your chances of being found if something goes wrong.
“It also gives your loved ones peace of mind, knowing you have taken important steps to protect yourself on the water,” Inspector Allan said.
