Sea rescues on Anzac weekend

The Central Coast division of Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol made a number of rescues across the Anzac Day weekend in dangerous conditions.

Publicity officer Mr Ron Cole said two fishermen had a lucky escape when their five-metre runabout capsized near West Reef on April 25, after being hit by a wave.

"The skipper of another vessel nearby saw the accident and used VHF radio to call the Coastal Patrol Base at Point Clare," Mr Cole said.

"The report indicated that there could be three people in the heavy seas with three to four metre waves.

"Central Coast Lifeboat, under command of Phil Swannel, was immediately despatched to assist.

"As they raced to the scene, they were signalled by the crew of a four-metre runabout north of the Rip Bridge indicating they needed assistance.

"The lifeboat crew radioed the base and Brisbane Water Lifeboat under command off Brian Warburton was sent to assist.

"Central Coast Lifeboat arrived at West Reef about 2pm along with a Coastguard vessel from Cottage Point.

"The crews found that a Surf Lifesaver Rubber Duck had picked the two men from the breaking seas.

"They were initially put on board the coastguard vessel, but then transferred to Central Coast Lifeboat.

"Both rescued men had minor injuries, and were starting to suffer from hyperthermia.

"A Water Police RIB and two Police PWCs also arrived on scene.

"The two men were taken to the patrol base at Point Clare, and once treated were driven to the owner's home in to collect a spare set of car keys, and then taken to the boat ramp at Woy Woy to collect their vehicle and trailer.

"Coastguard towed the capsized vessel to Lobster Beach where it was righted.

"Coastguard handed the vessel to the crew of Brisbane Water Lifeboat and it was taken to the Point Clare base for safekeeping.

"On Sunday, the owner asked that the patrol meet him with his vessel at Gosford boat ramp so it could be collected."

Mr Cole said the patrol received another call for help on April 27, from a five-metre vessel in distress.

"An urgent radio call was received by the volunteers on duty at the Coastal Patrol base around 10.45 am on April 27," Mr Cole said.

"The call was from a five-metre runabout with two men on board.

"They reported that while returning from a fishing trip in Broken Bay their engine had suddenly stopped as they were approaching Half Tide Rocks off Ettalong.

"With a runout tide and a north-easterly wind, they suddenly found themselves going out with the tide.

"They managed to get a line on one of the starboard channel markers at Half Tide Rocks and called the patrol for assistance.

"The on call lifeboat duty crew responded to the call from the base radio operator, and Brisbane Water Lifeboat, skippered by Al Morris, was soon on the scene.

"After attaching a towline, the relieved men were happy to be taken back to the ramp at Lions Park, Woy Woy."

Mr Cole said the weekend's rescues proved how important it was for volunteers of Central Coast Division of Coastal Patrol to maintain a marine radio listening watch seven days a week to help maintain the "safety of life at sea".

Press release, 27 Apr 2009 Ron Cole, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol