Partly-restored ferry towed to Blackwall

The owner of a partly-restored timber ferry had his vessel towed to Blackwall following a breakdown in the Brisbane Water on October 28.

"While on patrol, Marine Rescue boat Central Coast 21 was dispatched to just north of the Rip Bridge to a partly restored timber ferry which had broken down," said Marine Rescue Central Coast public relations officer Mr Mitch Giles.

"On arrival the crew, consisting of Peter Alderton, Andrew Mckellar, Bob Knowles and Doug Fitzgerald, found the vessel at anchor with its punt tender alongside and overturned.

"The wind was gusting strongly at the time making manoeuvring difficult," Mr Giles said.

"The first task was to take over the tender and to right it for delivery to Blackwall ramp.

"Initial attempts to tow the tender proved difficult as the hull shape made it dive underwater when towed.

"Central Coast 22 crewed by Ted Leeson, Dave Randell and Bob Gilbody were nearby and tasked to assist.

"Due to the location of the post moorings at Blackwall and the strong winds, navigating the ferry to the mooring proved difficult due to the strong gusty winds and the narrow channel.

"The tender with its outboard attached was eventually righted and delivered to the ramp and the persons on board the ferry were delivered to the jetty safely," Mr Giles said.

As Central Coast 21 was finishing the job, it was assigned the task of assisting a person on a kayak who was in difficulty due to the strong winds off St Huberts Island.

"On arrival at the rocks at the western side of the Rip Bridge, the very tired kayaker was taken to St Huberts Island," he said.

SOURCE:

Social media, 29 Oct 2019

Mitch Giles, Central Coast Marine Rescue