Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Iluka Yamba 30 responded to a vessel which capsized on the Clarence River Bar at Yamba on the state’s north coast recently.
The sailing catamaran overturned in rough conditions around 1.15pm.
The crew on board IY 30 assessed the vessel while an elderly man was picked up by Surf Life Saving NSW on a jet ski and taken to shore for assessment by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Iluka Yamba 30 skipper Mick Madden said the Marine Rescue crew was exceptional in challenging conditions.
“The bar was very difficult and confused with a substantial cross swell running.
“We assessed the wreckage, it was in bits and pieces and continuing to break up,” he said.
Mr Madden said the vessel was unsalvageable demonstrating the power of the bar.
“It was just outside the breaker line when we headed back to base.
“The wreckage was heading towards the beach about half-a-nautical mile south of Iluka Bluff,” the IY 30 skipper said.
A securite has been issued to warn boaters of the navigational hazard.
Marine Rescue NSW urges boaters to check and monitor conditions and to Log On with Marine Rescue via VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSW app.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
For more information visit www.marinerescuensw.com.au
