It was a lucky escape for a solo boater whose vessel caught fire shortly after 10am, Saturday 23 August.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven observed a 11-12 metre sailing vessel on fire while patrolling the Shoalhaven River.
“The crew on board SA30 instructed the person on board the distressed vessel to evacuate.
“The lone sailor jumped overboard and was safely retrieved from the water by SA 30 crew.
“The sailor was suffering from smoke inhalation and suspected hypothermia and was transported to shore to meet NSW Ambulance paramedics,” Inspector Sullivan said.
With the vessel still up in flames, firefighters from the local NSW Rural Fire Service brigade were contacted to assist.
“Once the boater was safely on shore, the SA 30 crew picked up local RFS firefighters and a portable water pump.
“Firefighters were taken to the vessel and continued efforts to control the blaze.
“By 1.30pm, the fire was extinguished and Marine Rescue NSW crews were stood down.
“NSW RFS crews placed booms around the vessel to contain any contaminants from the fire,” Inspector Sullivan said,
