Boaters on board a capsised fishing vessel have been saved off the Far South Coast.
Marine Rescue crews on board Bermagui 30 and Narooma 30 headed out in 2.5 metre swells when the overturned boat’s EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) was activated 18km offshore from Bermagui around 10am on Sunday (July 7).
The Westpac Surf Lifesaver Helicopter was called in to help locate the beacon, but poor weather conditions meant there was little Lifesaver 23 could do.
Luckily, the three people had been safely picked up by a commercial fishing vessel before they were returned to shore for medical assessment.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said commercial vessels in the vicinity were alerted to the emergency situation.
“Upon arrival, crews on board Bermagui 30 observed an overturned fishing vessel,” Inspector Massey said.
“Fortunately, the boaters on board the capsized vessel had been safely retrieved by a commercial vessel,” he said.
“The boaters were then safely returned to shore.”
Images: Marine Rescue NSW, Westpac Surflifesaving Helicopter