Not much remains of an 11-metre boat that caught fire on the Shoalhaven River. Photo: Marine Rescue NSW.
A solo boater on the Shoalhaven River had a lucky escape on the weekend after their vessel caught fire.
A Marine Rescue NSW spokesperson, Inspector Glenn Sullivan, said a volunteer crew on patrol noticed the 11-metre vessel was alight shortly after 10 am on Saturday (23 August).
“The crew on board SA30 instructed the person on board the distressed vessel to evacuate,” he said.
“The lone sailor jumped overboard and was safely retrieved from the water by SA30 crew.
“The sailor was suffering from smoke inhalation and suspected hypothermia and was transported to shore to meet NSW Ambulance paramedics.”
Firefighters from the local NSW Rural Fire Service were called in to bring the flames under control.
The SA30 crew ferried the RFS firefighters and a portable water pump out to the stricken vessel after they dropped the boater safely on land.
“Firefighters were taken to the vessel and continued efforts to control the blaze,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“By 1:30 pm, the fire was extinguished and Marine Rescue NSW crews were stood down.
“NSW RFS crews placed booms around the vessel to contain any contaminants from the fire.”
Boaters are urged to ensure their vessel is well-equipped and in good repair before taking to the water, including an emergency locator beacon.
Boaters are encouraged to log on and log off with Marine Rescue at the beginning and end of every trip.
