newy.com.au – Emergency services crews have reunited with 77-year-old fisherman John “Stinker” Clarke after his rescue from rough seas off Port Stephens last week.
Mr Clarke was reported overdue about 6pm on Wednesday, 24 June, after failing to return home from a fishing trip. A coordinated marine search and rescue operation was launched involving Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, Port Stephens Water Police and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
About 8.30pm, the helicopter crew found Mr Clarke’s overturned boat smashed against rocks about 400 metres southwest of Fingal Lighthouse. A short time later, Mr Clarke, who was wearing a lifejacket, was located in the water nearby.
Port Stephens Water Police officers Sergeant Brown and Senior Constable Grice were directed to the location, where they pulled Mr Clarke from the water and began first aid. Responders were working in difficult conditions, including 15-knot southerly winds and a 2.5-metre swell.
Mr Clarke was taken to Nelson Bay Public Wharf, with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers escorting the vessel and helping shield it from heavy seas. At the wharf, he was treated by a Westpac Rescue Helicopter doctor and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Tomaree Hospital and later transferred to John Hunter Hospital for treatment of severe hypothermia and abrasions.
On Tuesday morning, crews from NSW Police Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Marine Rescue NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter met with Mr Clarke to speak about the rescue.
Sergeant Brown said the incident showed how important preparation was for anyone heading out on the water.
“Lifejackets save lives – and this rescue is a perfect example of why you should always wear the appropriate lifejacket for the activity you’re undertaking,” Sgt Brown said.
“Lifejackets fitted with reflectors can make all the difference when crews are searching at night.
“Every time you head out on the water, you should wear a lifejacket, log on and off with Marine Rescue NSW using the free app or VHF Channel 16, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back,” Sgt Brown said.
“It’s also critical to carry the required safety equipment for your vessel and the conditions.”
Mr Clarke said the ordeal began during what had been a routine fishing trip.
“I went to my normal fishing spot and there was so much activity. I caught two really nice snapper,” he said.
“The sea got a bit too big, so I decided to leave. As I was pulling the anchor up, a wave came straight over the top and filled the boat with water.
“The boat overturned, and I clung to it for a while before pushing away from the rocks into deeper water. I always have a plan B, but this time I didn’t. I was at the mercy of the sea.
“As it got dark, I thought I was coming to the end of the line,” Mr Clarke said.
“I didn’t panic. I just thought, if I’m going to survive, a helicopter will have to come.
“And if a helicopter comes, they’ll contact Water Police, and Sergeant Clint Brown – who I’ve known since he was 12 – will come and pick me up.
“And that’s exactly what happened.”
