Four people have been rescued from their sinking trawler off the South Coast on Saturday morning.
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A rescue chopper responded to reports people on board the trawler had issued a MayDay about 6.20am and activated their distress beacon off Bengunnu Point in Mimosa Rocks National Park.
Their ship had hit rocks and was taking on water.
The crew boarded a life raft and made it to a remote beach where they were rescued by Lifesaver23 and a Toll Air Ambulance helicopter, then flown to Bermagui to meet ambulances.
The four people rescued were suffering from mild hypothermia and were checked by paramedics.
Lifesaver23 then returned to the trawler to find and turn off the still-active distress beacon and to check the area for pollution and debris.
“We arrived on scene around the same time as the Toll helicopter at about 7.20am,” Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Stephen Leahy said.
“We located a trawler in the water just south of Bengunnu Point. A life raft was located on the beach, and there were four men on board.
“We landed on the beach, as did the ambulance helicopter. All four men were checked by our crews; there were no injuries, but they were suffering from mild hypothermia.
“The decision was made to transport them to Bermagui, where they could be further checked by local paramedics.”
Mr Leahy said Toll Ambulance also flew two people to Bermagui.
Lifesaver23 was then sent back to the site by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
“They AMSA had us confirm the exact latitude and longitude, and we checked for debris and pollution,” Mr Leahy said.
“The distress beacon was also still active.
“We winched our rescue crewman onto the beach with some detection equipment. We could still hear the beacon, and it’s fairly obvious it’s still aboard the vessel.
“I had discussions with AMSA and Marine Area Command, and we all agreed it was too dangerous to winch our rescue crew officer on to the boat to locate the beacon. AMSA will look at further options to isolate that beacon.”
The trawler has left a large amount of debris. Mr Leahy reported fishing tubs, a life ring, and large amounts of hosing in the water, as well as the abandoned life raft and clothing on the beach.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
