A stranded boat with kids on board has been rescued off the Far South Coast.
Marine Rescue Merimbula volunteers towed a boat with five people, including four children on board, back to shore on Tuesday morning, after it suffered battery failure off Haycock Point, south of Pambula Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a whale-watching operator initially helped the drifting vessel before Marine Rescue was called in to assist around 11:30am.
“A volunteer crew was immediately assembled and rescue vessel Merimbula 31 deployed to assist,” Sullivan said.
“It was pleasing to see that all on board the disabled vessel were wearing lifejackets,” he said.
“Attempts were made to restart the engine but they were unsuccessful.”
The four children on board the disabled vessel were transferred safely onto rescue boat ‘Merimbula 31’ and the boat towed back to the public wharf adjacent to the Marine Rescue Merimbula base.
Inspector Sullivan said it is important that boaters check their battery and engine before hitting the water.
“Mechanical failure in the wrong location can lead to a life-threatening incident, thankfully this morning that wasn’t the case with calm conditions,” Sullivan said.
“We encourage local and visiting boaters to always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16,” he continued.
“Logging On provides peace of mind and ensures our highly skilled radio operators keep watch for their safe return. Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency.
“The six Marine Rescue NSW units in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire’s are rescue ready these school holidays and prepared to respond any time of day or night.”
Images: Marine Rescue NSW, Google
