Marine Rescue Port Stephens Crew Overcomes Harsh Conditions in Marathon Rescue

In a daring display of courage and skill, volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens successfully completed a marathon rescue mission amidst challenging conditions. Responding to a distress call early this morning, the crew navigated rough seas to assist a 9-10 meter sail catamaran that had lost engine power six nautical miles southeast of Seal Rocks.

According to Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade, the distressed vessel’s skipper reported being unable to deploy sails due to the adverse offshore conditions. Following a request from the NSW Police Marine Area Command, a dedicated volunteer crew aboard rescue vessel Port Stephens 31 was swiftly assembled and deployed at 5am.

Throughout the mission, the crew faced formidable obstacles, including two to three meter swells and wind gusts exceeding 50km/h. Despite these challenges, Port Stephens 31 successfully reached the distressed vessel at 7:20am, securing a towline for the arduous journey back to Nelson Bay.

“The return trip proved to be a delicate operation, lasting six hours due to the harsh conditions and the weight of the sail catamaran,” Inspector Greenslade remarked. “Nevertheless, Port Stephens 31 safely guided the vessel and its occupants to shore, ensuring their well-being.”

Both individuals aboard the sail catamaran were reported to be in good condition, although the rescue crew understandably experienced fatigue after eight hours at sea. Inspector Greenslade commended the exceptional efforts of Marine Rescue Port Stephens’ radio operators in managing communications throughout the mission.

As a strong marine wind warning remains in effect for the Hunter Coast, authorities urge boaters to exercise caution and stay informed about current conditions before venturing out onto the water. Marine Rescue NSW, a volunteer-based non-profit organization, remains dedicated to promoting safety at sea and supporting local communities.