Small boat collision at Gymea Bay - Three thrown into water

by Marine Rescue NSW on 27 Dec 2014 This morning two small craft collided in Gymea Bay throwing three people into the water.

The alarm was raised by a member of the public who called NSW Police Marine Area Command.

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking unit were on the scene in nine minutes on rescue vessel Port Hacking 30. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was also called.

The three people who had been thrown into the water had been recovered by others on the two vessels involved.

Marine Rescue Regional Controller Chris Gillett said, 'No serious injuries were sustained by the occupants of either of the boats and the Westpac Helicopter was not needed so it returned to base.

'One of the boats was taking on water and it was beached on the sand bar.'

Water Police are conducting inquiries with those involved.

Marine Rescue skipper Peter Baker and crew Lewis Stockbridge and Rohan Stirling on Port Hacking 30 have resumed regular duties patrolling their local waters.

Marine Rescue NSW urges all boaters and water-craft users to travel with care during the busy holiday season and to wear lifejackets.

When planning to spend several hours or more on the water, Marine Rescue also recommends that skippers Log On with their local Marine Rescue radio base and Log Off when they return home.

This ensures that someone responsible knows you’re out there and if anything occurs that prevents you from Logging Off, action will be taken to start looking for you.