A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ballina 30 responded to a call for assistance from a distressed vessel with two people on board off Lennox Head early this morning, Sunday, 10 November. 

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said a fishing trawler reported it was taking on water and sinking approximately eight nautical miles (15kms) east of Lennox Head. 

“In the early hours of this morning Marine Rescue Port Macquarie, the region’s 24 hour communications hub, received a call from the skipper of a fishing trawler.

“The skipper advised the vessel was taking on water and experiencing engine failure.

“A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Ballina were deployed on board Ballina 30 just after 3.00am

“BA 30 headed in darkness to the location to provide assistance,” Inspector Page said. 

Just before 3.15am, another call was received from the sinking vessel.

“Water had reached the deck forcing the two people on board to abandon ship.

“Wearing lifejackets they made their way safely into a life raft. 

“BA 30 spotted lights and closed in to assist.

“By 4.20am, the two people were safely on board BA 30,” Inspector Page said.

As the sunken vessel is a navigational hazard, Radio Operators at Marine Rescue Ballina have issued several Securites advising boaters in the region of the location of the vessel. 

This incident underscores the importance of Marine Rescue NSW’s rigorous training, often put to the test in the early morning hour and showcases the dedication of the organisation’s volunteers. 

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.