Help for capsized boat
The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol attended to an incident near Lion Island on August 29, involving a capsized boat.
According to public relations officer Mr Richard Manning, four people were retrieved from the water near Lion Island after their boat capsized in strong winds.
"Although things were quiet that day, the Bureau of Meteorology was forecasting gale force winds for later in the day," Mr Manning said.
"At 2pm our base received a call from a vessel that had four on board and had retrieved four more people from the water just to the east of Lion Island in Broken Bay.
"They were standing by the overturned runabout fishing boat.
"On duty was Gordon Ellis who was struck by the fact that there were now eight adults in a 5.1 metre runabout and no certainty about how long before the predicted winds would strike."
Mr Manning said the Water Police were notified immediately and two coastal patrol lifeboats dispatched shortly after to assist.
"A vessel from Broken Bay Coastal Patrol also attended and all remained on the scene until two Water Police vessels arrived," Mr Manning said.
"It is understood that the motor on the overturned boat had been reversed to help pull the anchor free.
"The bow was simply pulled under water.
Mr Manning said the incident had a "happy outcome" with the rescued persons and their upturned boat being taken to Brooklyn by the Water Police vessel.
"It is hard to overstate the importance of having effective radio communications on board," Mr Manning said.
"Mobile phones have their place but radio reaches out to neighbouring vessels as well as multiple marine rescue organisations.
"In this case, the quick action of Mark and his friends was backed up by the Coastal Patrol units that heard the call for help."
Press release, 30 Aug 2009
Richard Manning, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol