MRPMQ respond in rough and dark conditions as 55ft yacht runs aground

Marine Rescue Port Macquarie responded to a distress call at 9.30pm on Wednesday, June 26 from the vessel which was carrying five passengers. The 55ft yacht ran aground overnight at Point Plomer, north of Port Macquarie

MRPMQ unit commander Greg Davies said crews were put to the test in rough and dark conditions.

“We got a mayday that one person was missing so we were activated to go out and look for them,” Mr Davies said. “We got up there and found the four people on the beach. One person had suffered a back injury. The fifth person was found a bit further up the beach.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Coffs Harbour Water Police also joined the search, however the helicopter was recalled before reaching the area.

Mr Davies said the vessel hadn’t been logged on with Marine Rescue when the distress call was made.

“The seas were really rough but the crew have done a good job to get out there on a dark night and find them,” he said. “The investigation will be ongoing this morning (June 27). We are waiting on water police to assess it and see if the vessel is salvageable.”

A NSW Police spokesperson said all five people on the 55ft vessel were transferred to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

“No injuries are considered life threatening and the exact cause of the incident is unknown,” the spokesperson said. “The vessel was originally bound for Southport in Queensland.”