Marine Rescue Central Coast volunteers had a tricky one on their hands last week as they assisted a yacht amid a strong tidal current and high winds, coupled with having to navigate shallows and narrow channels.
At 2.30pm on August 28 a call was received from the skipper of a 25ft yacht which experiencedengine failure and subsequently became grounded, just 30m off the rocky shoreline at Hardys Bay.
Winds and a rising tide meant the yacht was in danger of being pushed further towards the dangerous shoreline.
Rescue vessel CC22 arrived on scene at 3.25pm and was able to get a towline to the crew of the yacht.
Pulling the yacht free backwards from astern after its crew had retrieved the anchor which had become firmly stuck in the seabed, CC22 was able to tow the yacht up between Wagstaffe and Half Tide Rocks where it was then brought alongside for easier manoeuvring onto its mooring in Ettalong Channel.
Both crews were tired and relieved when the yacht was securely placed on its mooring, with the safe outcome being the result of intensive training of the Marine Rescue crews.