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Night boat rescue
By Jo Kennett
A FISHING boat with two fishermen on board had to be given a hand to make it back into the Tweed River after breaking down near Cook Island on Saturday night, June 17.
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Marine Rescue Point Danger received a call out to assist a four-metre runabout with two people on board near Cook Island, and jumped into action.
Point Danger 20, captained by Glen Hatton with crew Steve, Gavin and Aaron, headed out to the stricken vessel while Deputy Unit Commander Terry Gunton provided backup for the night operation from the Point Danger radio room.
According to Marine Rescue Point Danger public relations officer Aaron Ashley, the two men had been out fishing, “with luck just not on their side, none caught, and now with flattened batteries, were unable to start their engine for their return journey”.
It took the crew of Point Danger 20 just 20 minutes to load up and be on their way to the vessel.
The fishing boat was given a jump start and the motor sprung to life. PD20 then shadowed the vessel back into
Fingal boat ramp.
Recently, Marine Rescue Point Danger went to the rescue of a jet ski which was broken down eight nautical miles offshore.
The jet ski had to be towed back into the Tweed River. According to Aaron, the driver of the ski had done all the right things with all necessary safety equipment on board including life jacket and EPIRB and radio, and he was able to call for a tow and stay safe while he waited to be rescued.
At a meeting attended by Commander North Zone Mal Jeffs, ZDOM Northern Rivers John Murray and director Darcy Henriksen on Sunday, June 18, two volunteers were presented with medals in recognition of commitment and service with Marine Rescue NSW.
Mal Jeffs presented skipper Chris Quinn and Gary Ashby with Marine Rescue NSW medals for 15 years and 20 years respectively and they were congratulated for their many years of service and volunteering their time.
Unit Commander Keith Smith also announced the appointment of Ian Cust to the role of Deputy Unit Commander.
Ian will take on the role and work alongside Terry, assisting Keith in managing the unit.
