Radio operators called by phone

Volunteer radio operators on duty at Marine Rescue Central Coast responded to a mobile phone call on Thursday, April 12, around 2pm from a lone man in a 5.5m runabout two nautical miles east north east of Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

He reported that his motor and electrics had failed, so he was unable to use his marine radio.

Due to water depth he indicated he was unable to anchor and was drifting south.

The on call boat crew, Ted Leeson and Norm Smith, were immediately contacted and rescue boat Central Coast 20 was launched.

After an offshore search, the man and his drifting runabout was located three nautical miles south of his first reported position.

The boat crew then began the long tow back to Lions Park, Woy Woy, which was completed at about 4:30pm.

The rescue boat and crew then returned to base for boat closedown and incident debrief.

Media Release, 12 Apr 2013

Ron Cole, Central Coast Marine Rescue