A jet skier drifted several kilometres out to sea on the outgoing tide after his watercraft lost power near Lion Island on Saturday, July 27.
When the jet ski broke down the Saratoga man aged in his late 20s notified Point Clare base of Marine Rescue Central Coast, advising them of his difficulties and providing latitude and longitude co-ordinates which enabled the rescue crew to track him quickly.
Even so, the outgoing tide caused the jet ski to drift several kilometres from its original position while Marine Rescue was carrying out the search.
Steven Constantine of Marine Rescue Central Coast said the jet skier had “kept his cool … and the mission was also made easier because he’d been carrying a torch which was used to signal the Marine Rescue boat as it approached”.
“Being on a disabled vessel at the mercy of the tide and wind, in the pitch black of night-time on the open sea is not a great place to be,” he said.
“Whenever you go out on the water, log on with Marine Rescue by using the free app, wear the right clothing and a lifejacket.
“Also, you should have multiple communication methods available like a mobile phone or VHF radio.
“It’s also wise to take a torch and carry flares and other distress signalling equipment if you can.
“A short day trip can easily change into something else, and (this) could have ended very differently.
“Be prepared, and if in doubt, don’t go out.”
Marine Rescue towed the disabled jet ski back to Davistown.
Awesome work by all including rescuee