Volunteers from Marine Rescue Merimbula have safely returned five people including four children to shore after the five-metre boat they were on board suffered battery failure this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a whale-watching operator initially assisted the disabled vessel, which was drifting on waters off Haycock Point before calling Marine Rescue Merimbula for further assistance just after 11:30am.
“A volunteer crew was immediately assembled and rescue vessel Merimbula 31 deployed to assist.
“It was pleasing to see that all on board the disabled vessel were wearing lifejackets.
“Attempts were made to restart the engine but they were unsuccessful.
“The four children on board the disabled vessel were transferred safely onto Merimbula 31 and the boat towed back to the public wharf adjacent to the Marine Rescue Merimbula base,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said it is important that boaters check their battery and engine before hitting the water.
“Mechanical failure in the wrong location can lead to a life-threatening incident, thankfully this morning that wasn’t the case with calm conditions.
“We encourage local and visiting boaters to always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging On provides peace of mind and ensures our highly skilled radio operators keep watch for their safe return. Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency.
“Today has been the best weather since the commencement of the school holidays and there has been considerable boating traffic on South Coast waterways.
“The six Marine Rescue NSW units in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire’s are rescue ready these school holidays and prepared to respond any time of day or night,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
