Catherine Hill Bay Tradegdy
Although a shocking tragedy, the incident at Catherine Hill Bay last weekend is a primary focus of Marine Rescue’s work.
Our task last weekend was to sweep the coast (as close as we could safely do so) from the Mawson breakwall till we met up with the rest of the search fleet. Unfortunately on this occassion the ending was not a happy one with police recovering the bodies of three men washed up at Flat Rock.
This therefore is a untimely reminder that BEFORE going out
a) check the weather
b) check your equipment and supplies
c) log on and log off with Marine Rescue, so we can keep track of you
…. and keep in contact during your trip.
This is a volunteer (read: free) service offered to the public, so take a few minutes to let us know what your plans are so you’ve got a better chance of getting home safely.
Round the World - again
Just shows what can be accomplished by two incredible guys (Whitworth & Crozier) in an old 33ft Boat (Joubert, 1977 build).
…. Australia to the UK via Alaska and the North West Passage (the first to do so?)
Interactive Navigation Tool
NSW Maritime has recently launched an interactive navigation tool, which can be found at:
http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/vessel_navigation_tool/nav_home.html
…. go on, test yourself!
Handy Hint
Whilst you can spend a variable number of dollars ($17-35) for a water proof case for your mobile phone etc, why not try this simple and inexpensive idea, from P Jenkins of Merimbula and first published in “Soundings” (Dec 09) …
seal your phone in a zip lock bag, the type available from supermarkets.
Depending on the design of the phone it can be used without opening the bag - converstaion is still able to be heard by both parties.
and whilst you’re at it, program the number for VMR Swansea into the quick dial: 02 4971 3498...
Even if you’re not in our area we can relay any request for assistance to the closest base.
Why you should “log on”
The following excerpt is from an article published in “Soundings” the magazine of Marine Rescue NSW (Dec 09). It has been abbreviated for this site.
At 0600 a 6m recreational fishing vessel, “U”, left Port with 3 persons on board for a days fishing with an ETR of 1600. They answered both the 0900 and 1300 skeds as arranged, reporting no change.
At 1600 when U failed to advise its return to Port, attempts were made to contact the vessel. This proved unsuccessful and at 1630 it was declared an overdue vessel and appropriate procedures were initiated, including the dispatch of a rescue vessel.
At 2130 after 2 hours steaming the rescue vessel arrived at the approximate last known location. After 15 minutes the skipper reported seeing ‘a small red light’ in the distance so proceeded in that direction and turned the spot light on - to find U lying side-on, completely awash with three persons in the water.
At 2150 they were found after capsizing at 1430 - that’s 7 hours 20 minutes in the water for the crew. They had DRIFTED 13.5nm at an average speed of 1.8knots from their original location.
This highlights the vital importance of logging-on with your local Marine Rescue unit each and every time you are on the water. This is a FREE service and takes only a few minutes of your time.
(NB Vessel EPIRBS are mandatory when travelling more than 2nm offshore and individual EPIRBS are highly recommended.)
Crossing The Bar
In ‘Afloat’ magazine (Oct 2009), Malcolm Riley of the Bureau of Meteorology in Hobart, wrote an illuminating piece on crossing river bars. The link is here for your reference: we recommend you read it then read it again:
http://www.afloat.com.au/afloat-magazine/2009/october-2009/Weather
With thanks to Malcom for approval to relay his always informative articles.
Flotilla Monthly Dinner
Swansea Flotilla Members and their partners are invited to attend a monthly social dinner held at Belmont Golf Club. The next dinner will be held on 25 November. RSVP closed 17/11/09. This event is co-ordinated by J Margrie, so please contact him if you would like to attend future dinners.
Sailing Resource
You may care to have a look at this Website specialising in boaty things.
Something here I think for everyone (note it is an American site so nav items are not transferrable to Australia)
http://www.sailvision.net/
Daylight Savings 2009-2010
Daylight savings commencing Sunday, 4 October, 2009 at 2am
and will finish on
4 April 2010.
Remember: Spring forward, Fall back (in spring turn your clocks forward, in Autumn (Fall) turn them back
WRHS Hunter receives SOLAS donation
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Hunter Region is the latest recipient of a donation from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Society of Life at Sea Trusts (SOLAS).
A cheque was donated to WRHS Hunter to purchase nine new water rescue harnesses, which will increase the training capability of the service and improve the safety of crew members and those being rescued.
WRHS Hunter is a community owned and operated aero-medical search and rescue service providing a free service to over 1 million people covering a region of 132,000 square kilometres. Each year the helo performs over 1200 missions.
In the nine years since SOLAS was established, in excess of $450,000 has been donated to 15 organisations in every Australian State plus the ACT.
