Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW’s 46 units across the state safely returned 918 people to shore in February, completing 440 search and rescue missions including 141 emergency responses.
For the Illawarra, there were 40 search and rescue missions including 19 emergency responses, with 87 people safely returned to shore across all seven-Illawarra units, Port Kembla the busiest with 12.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said just over 60% of incidents in February were for mechanical, fuel or battery issues while volunteers responded to 21 capsized vessels including two rollovers on the Ballina Bar and an overturned catamaran at Port Stephens.
“If your vessel capsizes, it becomes a life-threatening situation very quickly, it is important that you have your lifejacket on, that you stay with your vessel and if you do become separated that you stay together,” he said.
