A swift response by a commercial whale-watching vessel and volunteers from Marine Rescue Merimbula and Bermagui saw three sailors rescued after making a MAYDAY call just before lunchtime today (Wednesday, 1 October).
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Merimbula 31 towed the yachts crew to safety
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the distressed vessel issued a MAYDAY at 11:30 am, which was received by radio operators at Marine Rescue Bermagui, who immediately notified the Merimbula unit.
The stricken yacht is taken under tow by Merimbula 31
“A 13-metre yacht was taking on water and in danger of sinking approximately seven kilometres off Merimbula Beach.
“Conditions were atrocious; it was choppy, with strong wind gusts and a large swell.
NSW Police Marine Area Command tasked rescue vessel Merimbula 31 to respond.
“While the rescue vessel was making its way to the distressed yacht, a nearby whale-watching boat responded and assisted the sailors.
“The volunteer crew on board Merimbula 31 arrived on scene and checked the welfare of the three sailors before providing a pump and pumping water out of the hull.
“The pump stemmed the flow of water, allowing a towline to be secured to the yacht, which was towed by the Marine Rescue NSW vessel to the courtesy mooring on the eastern side of Merimbula Bar.
“A leak has been identified in the bow of the yacht, and our volunteers are continuing to provide assistance; however, it is the yacht owner’s responsibility to organise repairs.
“Today’s response was an excellent example of collaboration between two Marine Rescue NSW units and a commercial operator, whose quick actions ensured the safety of the sailors,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
