Australia: Three Crew Rescued from Sinking Catamaran off NSW South Coast
Three crew members were safely rescued from a catamaran which took on water and began to sink after hitting a Sunfish off the NSW South Coast near Ulladulla.
Published 2 years ago
The incident happened on Monday afternoon November 30. Crew members sent out a mayday and activated their EPIRB just before 1pm, before climbing into two dinghies and awaiting rescue.
- Photo (c) Marine Rescue Ulladulla
They were traveling to Bermagui in the 11metre catamaran they had bought just days earlier.
Marine Rescue Ulladulla’s rescue vessel UL30 responded and quickly located the stricken vessel with guidance from a Royal Australian Navy helicopter from HMAS Albatross that had been deployed to assist and the signal from the crew’s EPIRB.
Arriving at the stricken catamaran just after 2pm, the Marine Rescue personnel took the crew of three on board and then delivered them safely back to dry land at Ulladulla, with all on board safe and well.
Sinking Catamaran Left at Sea
Unit Commander with Ulladulla Marine Rescue, David Hall said the catamaran had to be left out at sea.
A securite safety warning is current for all ships in the area advising of a navigational hazard from the sinking vessel.
“The boat was listing badly, it was still afloat when they left it but we deemed it too dangerous to try and tow it back in as it had taken in too much water,” Mr Hall said.
“At the moment the boat is floating, it’s drifted east from Green Island further out to sea and is a navigational hazard and we’ve put some warnings out,” he said.
Mr Hall said while the crew did everything right from having a working automatic identification system and digital selective calling to call for help to having activated their EPIRB, called mayday on the radio and had a life raft on board.
“They hit all the right buttons and wore their life jackets and got the response that was required to save their lives,” Mr Hall said.
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Related Links:
Three Rescued after Yacht hits Sunfish
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Related to following destinations: Australia, New South Wales
Related to the following Cruising Resources: General, Incident Reports, Safety, Safety and Medical
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