27 June 2023

Crews battle strong winds to rescue elderly boater on Shoalhaven River

| Katrina Condie
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Marine rescue boat

Marine Rescue volunteers were called out to a night-time rescue on Monday night. Photo: MRNSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Shoalhaven unit battled atrocious conditions to assist a 70-year-old man whose vessel began taking on water near Nowra on Monday night (26 June).

The man’s tinny started taking on water as he attempted to help a friend whose yacht broke a mooring on the Shoalhaven River and ran aground on Burraga Island, also known as Pig Island, after dark.

A MRNSW spokesperson said the vessel became disabled in atrocious conditions as strong winds lashed the coast.

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A volunteer crew on board Shoalhaven 20 responded to a call for assistance and rescued the man.

He was taken by SA 20 to Nowra Public Wharf where he was met by NSW Ambulance paramedics for assessment.

Pig Island

Pig Island on the Shoalhaven River near Nowra. Photo: Ray White Gerringong.

The Shoalhaven 20 crew then recovered the stricken yacht before returning to base just after 9 pm.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the Shoalhaven crew did an exceptional job in challenging conditions.

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“It was extremely windy and cold but our volunteers used their skill and night training to rescue the man and deliver him to shore while the Shoalhaven unit’s Radio Operator coordinated the rescue operation with precision,” Inspector Massey said.

“The teamwork shown by the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven members involved in this challenging mission was excellent.”

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

Original Article published by Katrina Condie on About Regional.

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