Patrol warns on shallow channel

The Central Coast Division of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol has reported a depth reading taken from the Ettalong Beach Channel as "too shallow for most boats".

Public relations officer Mr Ron Cole said the patrol was called to assist a stranded boat off Box Head around 5pm on March 21, when the depth was recorded.

"The Point Clare radio room at Central Coast Division of Coastal Patrol received a radio call for assistance from the skipper of a 4.8 metre outboard runabout," Mr Cole said.

"The vessel, with two people on board, had run out of fuel and was stranded about one km east of Box Head.

"Brisbane Water Lifeboat, skippered by Ted Leeson and crewed by Kevin O'Sullivan and

Denis Byrne, was despatched to assist.

"The runabout was located and required a long tow back to Lions Park at Woy Woy.

"The lifeboat skipper reported that the depth channel between Lobster Beach and Half Tide Rocks during the tow, about 6.30pm and just two hours after the high tide was only registering 0.7 metres.

"This low depth is considered too shallow for most keel boats and boat owners should take note of the dangerous situation that has developed in this part of the channel."

Press release, 22 Mar 2009 Ron Cole, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol