Catamaran rescued after anchor dragged

A family of four onboard a 44-foot catamaran was rescued from Paddy's Channel on Monday, December 12.

The family phoned Marine Rescue Central Coast around 7am for assistance as the vessel's anchor had dragged overnight when the weather changed and they were stranded aground in Paddy's Channel.

The volunteers in the radio room contacted the call out crew Al Morris and Dennis Byrne and the rescue vessel, Gosford 10, was quickly at the scene.

It was determined that one rudder was damaged which made steering difficult, so once the vessel was freed and back in deep water the rescue boat was asked to escort the catamaran back to its Ettalong mooring.

While en route one engine failed and progress against the wind and tide became impossible.

A tow line was again passed to the catamaran and the vessel was taken safely to the Ettalong mooring.

The rescue boat crew were back at the base to dry out by 10:20am when the catamaran's skipper rang to say thanks to the crew for their assistance.

Media Release, 12 Dec 2011 Ron Cole, Marine Rescue Central Coast