Photo: Steven Constantine
Despite an influx of boaters on Brisbane Water over Easter, Marine Rescue Central Coast reported few call-outs during the long weekend.
Radio operators manned the Point Clare headquarters each day to monitor radio activity, while boat crews were on standby in case of need.
But the services of the volunteer organisation were required only a few times each day over Easter.
An off-shore fishing trip 10 kilometres off Copacabana in a 6-metre cabin cruiser nearly came to an unfortunate ending when the boat suffered propulsion issues on Easter Monday.
The larger Marine Rescue vessel from Terrigal – TG 3-0 – ventured out into the deep blue to escort the boat back to base.
An 8-metre sailboat suffered an unusual incident while heading towards Lobster Beach at the start of the Easter long weekend.
Its outboard engine was lost overboard, stranding the craft about 300 metres east off Lion Island.
The Jilliby skipper called Marine Rescue for assistance and a rescue crew was dispatched aboard CC 2-1 to tow the boat back to Hardys Bay.
Another vessel – an 8-metre sailboat ran aground in low water in Paddys Channel.
Minor call outs were mainly from boats that had suffered engine trouble and needed towing to nearby boat ramps, unit commander Ian Morrow said.
He reminded boaters to assess conditions and prepare thoroughly before hitting the water during the coming school holidays.
“Be prepared, look out for the weather and changes in the weather and make sure that your boat is ready to go, making sure you’ve got enough fuel to get you there and back,” he said.
Boaters and paddlers are encouraged to log on with Marine Rescue NSW via the Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16 every time they head out on the water with paddlers more vulnerable to minor changes in conditions.
“Brisbane Water is a relatively calm stretch of water, but wind changes can happen very quickly and the conditions can worsen and you can be in great danger,” Morrow said.
“Once you’ve logged on, if you make sure you keep your app open we can actually track where you are so if you are running late or overdue we can come and look for you.”
Morrow said a number of boaties were observed over Easter not wearing life jackets in their vessels on Brisbane Water.
This is an offence and could incur a fine.