UPDATE: In an urgent development, volunteer crews from Marine Rescue NSW have responded to multiple medical emergencies during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, providing critical support to stricken sailors along the Far South Coast.
Over a tense 24-hour period, Marine Rescue units from Bateman Bay and Bermagui assisted two separate medical evacuations, highlighting the vital role of local volunteers in maritime emergencies.
The first call came in at approximately 4:30 PM on December 27, when a sailing yacht racing in the Sydney to Hobart reported that a crew member needed immediate medical assistance. The distress signal was received by volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Batemans Bay on VHF Channel 16.
“The yacht needed to head towards Batemans Bay due to rough sea conditions at Narooma,” said Marine Rescue NSW inspector Glenn Sullivan.
Despite challenging conditions, a volunteer crew aboard rescue vessel Bateman Bay 30 was dispatched to meet the yacht at Snapper Island. At around 7:45 PM, the volunteers successfully located the vessel and escorted it to safety. Following the mooring, the injured crew member was transferred to BM 30 and brought back to Hanging Rock, where NSW Ambulance paramedics awaited to continue medical care.
Shortly after, at 1:30 AM on December 28, another emergency arose. NSW Police Marine Area Command alerted Marine Rescue NSW of an injured crew member aboard a different yacht, which was still several hours from Bermagui.
“We were informed that the yacht was four to five hours from Bermagui and required assistance,” Sullivan explained.
As the vessel approached, a volunteer crew along with three NSW Ambulance paramedics were deployed on Bermagui 30 to meet the yacht outside the harbor. The injured sailor was successfully transferred to the rescue vessel and brought to the wharf for further medical treatment by paramedics.
Additionally, around 11 AM on December 28, Marine Rescue Bermagui was called to assist another racing yacht that had sustained damage during the race. The vessel’s main sail had jammed, and its rigging was compromised.
“The skipper was concerned about running out of fuel before reaching Bermagui,” Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue Bermagui volunteers monitored the yacht’s progress closely. Once it neared the harbor, a rescue vessel was dispatched to provide towing assistance. At approximately 1:30 PM, Bermagui 30 successfully towed the disabled yacht back to safety in Bermagui Harbour, where it was able to moor on its own.
These incidents underline the critical importance of Marine Rescue NSW’s volunteer efforts, which are dedicated to keeping boaters safe and supporting local communities during high-stakes maritime events. As the Sydney to Hobart race continues, authorities remain on alert for any further emergencies.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
