Disabled boat saved from cliffs by Marine Rescue Shoalhaven

by Ken McManus on 9 May 2012 Two men, at risk of being swept on to rocky cliffs south of Beecroft Head, were rescued from a disabled vessel yesterday by Marine Rescue Shoalhaven's Steber vessel SA 30, proving its worth again.

The unit’s base at Crookhaven Heads, the Pilot Station, was notified about 4.15pm of a disabled 17 foot half-cabin vessel broken down off Beecroft Head at Currarong with two men aboard.

A transiting motor cruiser, Seahawk, had come across the broken down vessel which had engine problems and a completely flat battery.

Seahawk’s crew attempted to assist the disabled craft but unable to do so, had notified the Pilot Station of their concerns for the men on board the vessel.

While there was little wind, the north-easterly swell was pushing the vessel toward the cliffs south of Beecroft Head.

SA 30 was activated at 4.20pm, with Skipper Bill Carter and crew Vince Ravesi and Charlie Yates quickly under way.

The superior speed and safety of the Steber, as well as a following sea enabled the rescue crew to reach the disabled vessel at 5pm.

A tow line was rigged and the vessel towed to the safety of the Currarong Boat Ramp as darkness fell.

The failing light and the many hazardous reefs at Currarong made for a slow and watchful approach to the ramp where the disabled vessel and its two grateful occupants were returned. Marine Rescue NSW website