An elderly fisherman whose boat was drifting onto rocks off Montague Island has been rescued.
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Marine Rescue NSW volunteers rescued the man on December 2 after his 5m runabout got into trouble, off Narooma.
A spokesman said MR Bermagui radio operator Lynda Bailey received a Mayday call at 9.25am on Friday.
The fisherman reported engine trouble and that his anchor was dragging in the fast current, sending his boat dangerously close to rocks on the northern side of the island.
“The skipper was wearing a lifejacket,” the spokesman said.
“The Mayday call was immediately relayed to MR Narooma, where Radio Operator Patricia O’Shae and Watch Officer Brenda Cavey activated the crew of Narooma 30.
“Rescue crew Ross Constable and Trevor Taylor reached the stricken vessel within 20 minutes of launching.”
The fisherman was reported to be shaken and seasick.
The runabout’s engine was restarted, and Narooma 30 then escorted the boat to the Narooma boat ramp.
Regional Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan congratulated the MR Narooma and MR Bermagui members on a swift and efficient response to help the distressed fisherman.
“This man is fortunate that MRNSW has professionally trained and equipped volunteers to come to his rescue,” he said.
“This emergency could have had a very different outcome if it were not for the speedy coordinated response of the members of Marine Rescue Narooma and MR Bermagui.”
Mr Sullivan reminded boaters to ensure their marine radios were in good operating condition before heading out on the water over the peak boating season and to always wear lifejackets whenever they were on board.
Marine Rescue New South Wales has 45 units and 3,000-plus volunteer members.