Stranded Boaters Rescued Off Swansea Heads in Midnight Operation

newy.com.au – A pair of boaters stranded off the coast of Swansea Heads were safely returned to shore early Monday morning, 24 March 2025, after a late-night rescue mission by Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.

The drama unfolded around 10pm on Sunday, 23 March, when the skipper of an 11-metre power catamaran issued a Pan Pan call—used to signal urgent but not immediately life-threatening situations—after both of the vessel’s engines failed 13 nautical miles (24 kilometres) offshore.

Marine Rescue Sydney initially received the distress call before communication duties were handed over to local radio operators at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie. A three-person crew aboard Lake Macquarie 30, including Unit Commander Jim Wright, was swiftly mobilised and set off to assist.

“We reached the catamaran just after midnight and were relieved to find the two people on board were in good health,” Commander Wright said. “We secured a towline and began the slow journey back, crossing the bar and mooring safely near Swansea Bridge at around 2:30am.”

Commander Wright praised the seamless coordination between the rescue team and radio operators, noting that their regular night training had paid off in ensuring a safe and efficient operation.

Marine Rescue NSW, a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation, continues to play a vital role in keeping local waters safe for all.