Evans Head volunteers rescue charter boat in dawn operation

by Ken McManus on 10 Sep 2014 Volunteers from Marine Rescue Evans Head rescued a charter boat stranded with 10 people on board off Joggly Point at dawn this morning.

The vessel’s skipper radioed the Evans Head unit’s radio base for help at 6am, reporting the boat’s motor was disabled.

Rescue crew Scott Mohr, Tony McNally and Bob Brown swiftly launched Evans Head 30, locating the vessel 2nm (almost 4km) south-south east of Evans Head just after 6.30am.

Evans Head 30 towed the vessel back to the Evans Head Boat Harbour, where all those on board were offloaded. All passengers and crew members on board the charter boat had been wearing lifejackets.

Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Regional Controller Stephen Reading congratulated the Evans Head boat crew and radio operators Julie and Steve Cooper, who handled all communications, for a job well done.

'Our volunteers are standing by to assist boaters in trouble whenever they are needed,' Mr Reading said.

'This was another professional response by the rescue crew and communications personnel at Marine Rescue Evans Head, who have recently rescued an offshore jet-ski rider and a group of six people, including two children, whose yacht had sunk.

'Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are skilled and experienced rescue operators, committed to serving their community. These five members have worked seamlessly this morning to ensure these 10 people have been returned safely to shore.

'They deserve our thanks.'