UPDATE: Volunteers from Marine Rescue Point Danger have successfully rescued two sailors stranded 22 nautical miles (40.5 km) off the coast of Tweed, highlighting the urgent efforts of maritime safety teams in challenging conditions. The rescue operation unfolded after a distress call was received at 5:45 AM today.
The sailors were aboard an 11-metre catamaran when its steering cables broke and the backup system failed while heading to Ballina. Responding swiftly, the volunteer crew was deployed on the rescue vessel Point Danger 31 just after 6:00 AM. Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade emphasized the urgency of the situation, indicating it was a “Pan Pan” call, which signifies a serious but non-life-threatening scenario.
Conditions at sea were treacherous, with two-metre seas and 20-knot winds making the rescue challenging. Deputy Unit Commander Guy Youngblutt captained the vessel, stating that the journey out was “very uncomfortable.”
The volunteer team reached the stranded sailors around 7:20 AM, where they assessed the situation and secured a towline for the return trip. “Thankfully, conditions improved on the return leg,” Youngblutt noted.
As the crew navigated back, they safely crossed the Tweed Bar on the incoming tide at approximately 11:05 AM and moored the catamaran at 11:30 AM. Both sailors were exhausted but expressed immense gratitude for their safe return to enclosed waters.
“This morning, our crew and radio operators did a wonderful job in fatiguing circumstances,” Youngblutt added, highlighting the dedication of Marine Rescue NSW, a nonprofit organization committed to keeping boaters safe.
The successful rescue serves as a reminder of the importance of marine safety and the invaluable role of volunteer organizations in emergency situations. As weather conditions can change rapidly, boaters are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for unexpected challenges.
Stay tuned for further developments on this story as we continue to follow the vital work of marine rescue teams in the region.
