Marine Rescue Port Kembla rescued multiple spearfishers from the waters off MM Beach on Sunday (11 May). Photo: Marine Rescue NSW.
A mass rescue at MM Beach in Port Kembla over the weekend saved four lives, thanks to the quick actions of volunteers.
A passer-by called triple zero just after 12 pm on Sunday (11 May) to report several people struggling in the water off MM Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteers at Port Kembla were able to be on scene within 15 minutes.
“A volunteer crew was rapidly deployed on board rescue vessel Port Kembla 31,” he said.
“PK 31 arrived on scene within minutes and quickly retrieved three people, two males and one female, from the water.
“Lifesavers assisted on jet skis and retrieved another male.
“The rescued female on board PK 31 informed the Marine Rescue Port Kembla crew that a fifth person was unaccounted for.
“We immediately commenced a coastal search for the fifth person, and thankfully, he was located safe on Fishermans Beach.
“All individuals retrieved from the water were safely returned to Fishermans Beach uninjured. The group had been spearfishing prior to the incident.”
Inspector Massey said all first responders worked together efficiently to prevent loss of life.
“The execution, skill and speed shown by all first responders during this lifesaving mission were exceptional,” he said.
“For the Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Port Kembla 31 to deploy from our harbour base and retrieve three people from the water within 15 minutes is brilliant.
“These people were fortunate that a member of the public spotted them, and for the rapid lifesaving response by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and lifesavers.”
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
