MARINE Rescue volunteers have logged an intense 10 days of search and rescues, including being part of the multi-agency operation to find a swimmer who disappeared off Shelly Beach.
The 20-year-old man failed to surface after entering the water with another person on Wednesday 27 August, sparking a land, sea and air search that continued for three days.
Dustin Welbourne of Marine Rescue Port Macquarie told News Of The Area that all vessels were deployed immediately.
“Surf rescuers were searching near the shore, while our vessels were just off the coast and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was in the air.”
The following day, they were joined by the Marine Area Command vessel “Fearless”.
They were also supported by the crew of Camden Haven 30.
Police suspended the coordinated multi-agency effort on Friday afternoon, with no sign of the man, but said local crews will continue to keep an eye on the water.
“Taskings in the area will continue by local police, Marine Rescue NSW and Surf Life Saving NSW,” a spokesperson said.
On Saturday night around 9.30pm, Port Macquarie 30 with five volunteers on board was again called out to assist a Manta 42 Catamaran experiencing engine trouble.
“This capped off a huge day for our vessel crews, who had already been on the water since 7am searching for [the] missing swimmer,” a unit spokesperson shared on social media.
And on Monday, Rescue Water Craft operators were on their morning patrol when they were called to assist a broken-down tinnie near Blackman’s Point.
The young fishers on board were towed to a boat ramp and reminded to always Log On with Marine Rescue before heading out on the water.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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