Game-boat catches fire
Delivery crew of a 14m gameboat rescued after engine-room fire off BallinaTwo men on board a 14m game fishing cruiser that caught fire off the Ballina coastline yesterday (December 14, 2015) were returned safely to shore thanks to a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Ballina
The cruiser’s crew issued a Mayday at 10.50am when a fire started in the vessel’s engine room during its delivery run to Sydney.
The crew activated the vessel’s two fire-suppression systems and the fire was brought under control but smoke continued to flow from the engine compartment and remained a danger to those on board
Marine Rescue Ballina’s 10m ocean-going rescue vessel, Ballina 30, was offshore on an operational assessment and responded immediately, reaching the stricken vessel in just five minutes.
The cruiser was taken under tow, with its crew remaining on board to monitor the situation with instructions to abandon ship should the fire re-ignite.
NSW Fisheries vessel Swan also responded, providing an escort and assistance with other boating traffic while the cruiser was towed to safety and across the Richmond River bar.
The vessel was towed upriver to the Fawcett Street Wharf, where a NSW Roads and Maritime vessel assisted it to berth and a Fire & Rescue NSW team was waiting to extinguish any remaining fire risk. NSW Police also attended.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Regional Controller Stephen Reading said the support of the agency vessels in the area had been most welcome.
"Our members on board Ballina 30, skipper Norm Lannoy, David Knockold, Tony Hensley, Robert Sargeant and Rodney Page, who were supported on shore by Radio Operator Tania Hawker, deserve recognition for their speedy and professional response to this emergency," Mr Reading said.
"This incident is a stark reminder that emergencies can happen at any time at sea.
"With the start of increased recreational boating activity over summer, Marine Rescue NSW urges all boaters to Log On with a local MRNSW unit to ensure someone responsible knows you’re out there and can take action in case of an emergency.
"You can Log On quickly and easily using your mobile radio or by downloading the free MarineRescue mobile App.
"Skippers should also ensure that all aboard are wearing lifejackets," reminded Mr Reading.
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