UPDATE: Two sailors were rescued 40 km offshore early this morning after a distress call prompted a rapid response from volunteers at Marine Rescue Point Danger. The rescue operation, which covered a total of 81 km, began following a Pan Pan call received at 5:45 AM, signaling an urgent but non-life-threatening situation.
According to Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade, the sailors were stranded approximately 22 nautical miles (or 40.5 km) east of Point Danger. Their 11-metre catamaran suffered a critical failure when its steering cables broke, and the backup system failed while they were en route to Ballina.
Volunteers were swiftly mobilized, deploying the rescue vessel Point Danger 31 just after 6:00 AM. Deputy Unit Commander Guy Youngblutt led the crew through challenging conditions, facing two-metre seas and 20-knot winds during the journey.
The rescue team reached the distressed catamaran around 7:20 AM, confirming the welfare of the sailors and securing a towline for the return trip. “Conditions improved on the return leg,” Youngblutt noted. The vessels successfully crossed the Tweed Bar at approximately 11:05 AM, with the catamaran safely moored at 11:30 AM.
Both sailors, though exhausted, expressed immense gratitude for their safe return to enclosed waters. Youngblutt praised the crew and radio operators for their excellent performance under demanding circumstances. “Our team did a wonderful job this morning in fatiguing conditions,” he stated.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to ensuring the safety of boaters and supporting local communities. This rescue highlights the importance of rapid response in maritime emergencies and the commitment of volunteers to protect lives at sea.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge about this significant rescue operation.
