Man escapes burning yacht on Shoalhaven River

by Ken McManus on 6 Jan 2015 A man has been taken to Shoalhaven Hospital this morning after escaping from a burning yacht on the Shoalhaven River on the NSW South Coast.

Firemen were able to access a nearby vessel from which they have pumped foam onto the yacht which is reported to have burned to the waterline.

A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven on rescue vessel Shoalhaven 10 attached a line to the hull and towed it to a position close to shore from where fire brigade officers could more effectively deal with the emergency. It is understood that there are many litres of diesel fuel on board the yacht.

The incident was reported at about 11:30am said Marine Rescue Regional Controller for the Illawarra. Bruce Mitchell. 'We understand this is a boat that visits regularly from Sydney but identification has not been confirmed yet.'

'This has been a very busy holiday period for Marine Rescue volunteers at units in the Illawarra, said Mr Mitchell. 'Large numbers of visitors come to enjoy our waterways here and Marine Rescue NSW urges all boaters to take extra care. Emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning.

'All Marine Rescue NSW units are on duty during this time and we welcome inquiries from any boating visitors who need local information.

The Marine Rescue NSW general safety message to all boaters and users of recreational water craft such as kayaks and paddle boards, is to always put on a lifejacket when you get afloat, and always Log On with your local Marine Rescue unit to tell us where you’re going and when you’ll return. Then when you get back, Log Off so we know you’re back safe.

If an emergency prevents you from Logging Off, Marine Rescue will take immediate steps to contact you, and if necessary, start a search.

For details of all Marine Rescue bases in NSW, please click here.