Marine Rescue Kioloa and Ulladulla vessels investigate flare sighting

by Ken McManus on 4 Jan 2015 Volunteers from Marine Rescue Units at Kioloa and Ulladulla have responded to a report of emergency flares sighted off Snapper Point at Kioloa.

Marine Rescue Illawarra Regional Controller Bruce Mitchell said, 'The alarm was raised at around 8:20 this morning with a report from a member of the public. NSW Police Marine Area Command were informed and two of our rescue vessels were despatched to investigate.'

On arrival at the location of the flare sighting, rescuers found three people on board a small boat which had broken down. They had called for help by igniting flares.

It is understood that the boat did not carry a marine radio, however the vessel carried the mandatory flares required for vessels operating offshore and these were used to attract attention. All on board were wearing lifejackets.

The vessel was taken in tow by Kioloa 20 and returned to the Kioloa ramp with Ulladulla 30 standing by as safety escort.

Marine Rescue NSW urges all boaters and water-craft users to be vigilant during the holiday season when so many more people and vessels are on the water.

Even if boating within the two mile limit within which a marine radio is not mandatory, Marine Rescue NSW strongly recommends that a VHF radio is a very small investment to ensure a big safety margin for all on board.

Modern mobile phones are also a valuable asset to have on board. Having the number of the local Marine Rescue radio base in a mobile phone helps ensure there is no delay in being able to call for help in an emergency.

Boaters and water craft users should all put on a lifejacket when they get on board their vessels and also Log On and Log Off with their local Marine Rescue Radio Base.

This simple safety strategy means you’ve made sure someone responsible knows you’re out there. If anything occurs that prevents you from Logging Off, action will be taken to start looking for you.