Marine Rescue Volunteers Save Nine from Sinking Vessel Off Swansea Heads

newy.com.au – Nine people were safely brought ashore by Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie volunteers after their commercial vessel began taking on water 5.5 kilometres off Swansea Heads on Sunday morning, 12 January 2025.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond confirmed that the alarm was raised just before 9 am when the vessel’s skipper contacted Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.

“The commercial vessel was in distress, taking on water and at risk of sinking,” Inspector Raymond explained. “Within 20 minutes, rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 30 and two rescue watercraft arrived on the scene.”

All nine passengers were swiftly evacuated to the safety of Lake Macquarie 30 with assistance from the rescue watercraft. At the Swansea Heads bar, a secondary vessel, Lake Macquarie 31, met the rescue team to transfer four passengers before all nine were safely returned to shore at Swansea RSL Wharf.

No injuries were reported during the operation. Following the rescue, Lake Macquarie 30 returned to secure and tow the six-metre commercial vessel to Blacksmiths boat ramp.

“This was a rapid and coordinated effort by our dedicated volunteers,” Inspector Raymond said. “Their professionalism ensured everyone was back on shore within 45 minutes.”

Marine Rescue NSW, a volunteer-based organisation, remains committed to protecting boaters and supporting local communities with their critical lifesaving services.