A kayaker whose craft had overturned in windy conditions off Big Island was rescued thanks to the keen eyes of a Port Kembla Marine Rescue volunteer. Photo: Marine Rescue.
A lucky kayaker has been rescued from windy conditions off Big Island thanks to an observant Marine Rescue watch officer.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteer Phillip Turner was on duty at Marine Rescue Port Kembla’s Hill 60 radio tower on Thursday (21 November) when he spotted an upturned kayak on waters off Big Island, one of Wollongong’s Five Islands.
“Phillip made the sighting at 5:15 pm before NSW Police Marine Area Command was informed,” Phillip said.
“A second person was also spotted paddling in the area.
“A multiagency response was initiated with a Marine Rescue Port Kembla crew mustered and set to be deployed on recuse vessel Port Kembla 31.
“Wollongong City Council lifeguards from Port Kembla Beach, who were on duty at the time, used a jet ski and rescued the male paddler from Martin Islet and returned him to shore.
“The other man who was kayaking in the area was also assisted back to Port Kembla Beach.”
Inspector Massey said conditions off Wollongong were windy on Thursday evening and not suitable for non-powered watercraft offshore.
“Without the keen observation of Marine Rescue Port Kembla Watch Officer Phillip Turner and the response from council lifeguards, the outcome could have been different,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW encourages all paddlers and boaters to log on and off with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging on ensures Marine Rescue NSW volunteers keep watch for their safe return and in the event they go overdue, a search is initiated,” Inspector Massey said.
“Logging on saves precious time during an emergency. The paddler on Thursday was not logged on.”
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Loading ...
