A young fisherman required assistance from Marine Rescue NSW after his engine failed off Terrigal this afternoon (Wednesday 24 June).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Jane Shirriff said volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Norah Head took the call for assistance just before 4 pm.
“A crew was quickly assembled at Marine Rescue Terrigal and rescue vessel Terrigal 30 deployed.
“The skipper of the 3-metre disabled vessel was the only person on board.
“He was becoming quite anxious as his vessel drifted one nautical mile north of Terrigal Haven after the anchor line broke in choppy two-metre swell.
“Terrigal 30 reached the disabled vessel within minutes, assessed the situation, transferred the skipper on board the rescue vessel and swiftly secured the runabout before towing it safely back to Terrigal Haven,” she said.
Image: (LtoR) Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Jane Shirriff was part of the Terrigal 30 crew along with skipper Steve Corbett and Mark D’Arcy
“The young skipper was thankfully wearing a life jacket and his father, who was waiting on shore, was extremely grateful for the assistance,” Inspector Shirriff said.
“He was fortunate not to have drifted onto the rocks or beach as conditions were deteriorating.
“Engine failure can catch even the most prepared boaters out and can quickly develop into a life-threatening situation, like the one the skipper experienced this afternoon.
“Marine Rescue NSW encourages all boaters to ensure their vessel is in good working order before every trip and to Log On either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. Logging On can save vital time in the event of an emergency and ensures our dedicated radio operators keep watch for a boater’s safe return,” she said.
