Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking crew save interstate outriggers

A trip to Sydney for a group of paddlers from Townsville has ended up with six women being rescued near Cronulla.

The women were competing in Sunday’s Port Hacking Outrigger Regatta when their outrigger failed early in the event.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteer, Bob Wilson said BH 32 was patrolling the area and went to their aid when they noticed a jet ski shadowing the vessel.

“We were out near the whale watching platform, north of Cape Solander when we the saw the people on the vessel with their paddles raised in the air which is a sign of distress,” Wilson said.

The BH 32 volunteer crew of skipper Steve Bigeni, John Zouganelis, Tomasz Zamencki, Bruce Gilpin, and Bob Wilson responded just after 2pm Sunday.

“It was a bit difficult because they were on the seaward side and when we reached them the women onboard were concerned,” Wilson said.

“We explained to them that we would lash their vessel to ours to stabilise them.

“That way they could safely get from their vessel onto BH 32.

Wilson said the Marine Rescue crew was concerned that the vessel was going to break up while one of the competitors was worried about the outrigger rolling in the water.

“We were able to calm her down along with her teammates.

“They all gave us a big hug and were very thankful for our assistance,” Wilson said.

BH 32 transported the six women and the broken outrigger back to Bonna Point at Kurnell where the event began.

None of the women suffered injuries in the incident and they are now continuing their tour on the NSW South Coast.

For more information visit www.marinerescuensw.com.au