Incidents keep Marine Rescue unit busy
A series of incidents on Brisbane Water has kept Marine Rescue Point Clare on their toes over the Christmas break.
Six people, including three children, were aboard a 5.5 metre runabout that ran aground at Patonga on Wednesday morning, December 27.
Marine Rescue successfully pulled the boat off the sand and, after making sure there were no injuries, the six holiday-makers continued on their way.
Late in the afternoon, a 4.5 metre cabin runabout with two people on board broke down in the Woy Woy Channel and was towed by Marine Rescue to the boat ramp at Lions Park.
A number of engine issues caused problems with boat owners throughout the day, with one boat, a 6.5 metre centre console with three people aboard, needing to be towed from Broken Bay to Bayview at Pittwater, while another needed towing from North Dangar to the Brooklyn Boat Ramp.
These two assists alone cost the volunteer Marine Rescue unit about $250 in petrol for the rescue craft.
Marine Rescue Point Clare Unit Commander Ian Morrow said: "Simple checks can prevent a good day on the water turning to a bad day on the water: making sure that your boat is in good working order before you leave the boat ramp, checking that you have the right safety equipment, checking that you have the right amount of fuel for your voyage.
"The December-January holidays are always busy on Central Coast water, from the Hawkesbury to Lake Macquarie.
"We want to see people enjoy the holidays safely," said Mr Morrow.
He said it was important that boaters log on with their local Marine Rescue base or use the Marine Rescue NSW app.
He praised the radio room and boat crew for their efforts during the busy day, with their many hours being spent to keep boat owners and their passengers safe on the water.
SOURCE:
Media release, 27 Dec 2023
David Wicks, Marine Rescue Point Clare