A VOLUNTEER crew from Marine Rescue Newcastle navigated darkness and a fast-flowing run-out tide overnight to rescue a stranded sailor four nautical miles (7.4 km) south of Nobbys Head.
Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh said the skipper of a 11-metre sailing catamaran called radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre at 10 pm on Tuesday 29 April to ask for help after his vessel suffered engine failure.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Newcastle 30 was deployed.
“The crew reached the disabled vessel at 11:15 pm and checked the welfare of the sailor, who was fine. A towline was then secured to his vessel.
“Because of the weight and width of the vessel, it was a slow trip back into the harbour.
“We used FLIR (forward-looking infrared camera) technology on board Newcastle 30 to assist with safe passage.
“The strong run-out tide on the Hunter River restricted our travelling speed, and Newcastle 30 was required to perform a number of challenging manoeuvres to safely place the disabled vessel on a mooring near Stockton Bridge.
“At 1:20 am, the skipper and his vessel were secured,” she 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.
