Three catamaran crew members rescued near Ulladulla

Earlier this week, three crew on board an 11 metre catamaran en-route to Bermagui had a dramatic rescue today after their vessel, purchased just days earlier, began taking on water after hitting a sunfish13 nautical miles east of Green Island near Ulladulla.

The crew of the catamaran sent out a Mayday at 1255 and activated their EPIRB, climbing into two dinghies to await rescue.

Marine Rescue Ulladulla rescue vessel UL30 was responded, and with guidance from a Royal Australian Navy helicopter from HMAS Albatross that had been deployed to assist, and the signal from the crew’s EPIRB, quickly located the stricken vessel. The Naval helicopter remained after their arrival with life rafts ready to drop should they have been required.

Arriving at the stricken catamaran just after 2pm, UL30 took the crew of three on board and then delivered them safely back to dry land at Ulladulla, with all on board safe and well.

A securite is current for all ships in the area advising a navigational hazard from the sinking vessel at 35 17.427 South 150 46.656 East.

The crew on UL30 were Skipper Lesley Kelly, Warwick Haslam, Mark Squires, Clive Woodward and radio operator Allan Dean and Watch Officer Keven Marshall.