Marine Rescue Evans Head volunteers save stranded Jet Ski rider

by Ken McManus on 19 Jul 2014 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on the NSW North Coast have rescued a man stranded offshore when his jet ski broke down early this afternoon.

With conditions deteriorating throughout the afternoon, boaters have been encouraged to put their safety first and not to head out to sea.

Coffs Harbour Police alerted Marine Rescue Evans Head at noon that the jet ski rider was in trouble and needed help.

Skipper Scott Mohr and crew member Tony McNally headed out aboard Evans 30, the unit’s 8m Kevlacat recue vessel, finding the jet ski and its rider floundering about three nautical miles north of the Evans River bar.

While the bar was safe to cross at the time, conditions have since worsened, with a 1-1.5m swell by mid-afternoon.

MRNSW Northern Rivers Regional Controller Steve Reading said the crew of Evans 30 had located the man 300-400 metres off the beach.

'They took him on board and were able to take his jet ski under tow to return to shore,' he said.

'Apparently he had not ridden the ski for about a year. This serves as a reminder to ensure your boat or jet ski is well maintained and has fresh fuel if it has been off the water for some time,' he said.

Mr Reading said the jet ski rider was fortunate to have been rescued by a skilled and experienced crew of volunteers but urged boaters and riders not to head out in the worsening conditions.

'Hazardous conditions were forecast for today and are likely to get worse. People should not put their own lives and those of the rescue crews who may be called to help them, at risk.'

Members of Marine Rescue Cape Byron are providing communications support to the search for a surfer missing off Byron Bay. Marine Rescue units at Ballina and Brunswick are on standby to join the search if needed tomorrow morning and bar and offshore conditions are suitable.