Volunteers from Marine Rescue Newcastle have guided two sailors and their disabled vessel safely into harbour during a late night mission on the Hunter Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators received a call for assistance from the skipper of a 12 metre sloop just after 8:30pm last night (Saturday 30 March) after one of the sails on the vessel failed and they could not make headway one nautical mile off Redhead Point.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said a volunteer crew was deployed on board rescue vessel Newcastle 30.
“The crew onboard the sloop were exhausted because they had been unable to amend their sails as required for the weather conditions.
“They had tried for three-hours to continue their journey before requesting assistance from Marine Rescue NSW.
“The vessel was transiting north and was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW allowing our volunteers to easily track and locate it.
“Newcastle 30 reached the distressed vessel at 9:50pm and escorted it safely into Newcastle Harbour during a four hour operation which included waiting for a couple of bulk carriers at the mouth of the harbour.
“Our Marine Rescue NSW vessel crew and radio operators delivered a seamless night response which was completed just before 1:00am on Easter Sunday.
“The fact that the distressed vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW ensured a prompt response.
“We ask all boaters to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging On ensures our volunteers keep watch for a vessel’s safe return and saves vital time when assistance is required,” Inspector Greenslade 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.
