Emergency rescue after fire onboard yacht

THE skipper of a 12-15 metre monohull sailing yacht called for emergency assistance from Marine Rescue Port Stephens after a fire broke out on board.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Andrew Harding said the emergency call was received just after 6am on Sunday 23 November.

“At 6.05am, volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Stephens received a MAYDAY call via a mobile phone from a solo yachtsman, located approximately 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 kms) south-east of Port Stephens Light.

“The experienced skipper advised a fire had started in the vessel’s electrical systems.

“A volunteer crew was rapidly assembled and rescue vessel Port Stephens 31 was en route before 6.30am.

“Fortunately, the skilled skipper of the distressed vessel was able to extinguish the fire and turn the vessel towards shelter,” Inspector Harding said.

While the fire had been extinguished, the electronics on the yacht melted, making radio communication impossible, and leaving only a compass for navigation.

In consultation with NSW Police Marine Area Command the call was downgraded from a MAYDAY, the Marine Rescue Port Stephens crew were requested to continue responding to assist the vessel due to its reduced engine and electronic controls.

“The damage caused by the fire made the electronics inoperable.

“The yacht engine also appeared to be stuck in gear, making manoeuvring hazardous.

“At the Nelson Bay breakwall, further attempts to disengage the engine were successful.

“The volunteer crew on board PS 31 rafted the yacht to the rescue vessel and safely escorted the sailor to an emergency mooring.

“The Marine Rescue Port Stephens crew performed exceptionally well in variable conditions and reduced visibility offshore. “Passing showers were also a factor during the operation.

“The skipper of the yacht should also be commended; his preparedness prevented the incident from escalating further,” Inspector Harding said.

Matt Coleborne, a volunteer crew member on board PS 31, highlighted the importance of training to ensure crews are rescue ready for any situation that arises.

“We train for multiple scenarios every single week,” he said.

“This incident is exactly the kind of situation we simulate.

“On the way to the disabled yacht, one Coxswain focussed on getting us offshore as quickly and safely as possible.

“The second Coxswain stepped through every scenario we might face on arrival, allocating roles and talking through our response options.

“Honestly, the training can feel pretty relentless sometimes in this unit – which is why it can all come together so quickly, even when you’ve just jumped out of bed at 6am on a Sunday morning,” Coleborne said.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.