Marine Rescue NSW crew responds to sinking vessel in Sussex Inlet

A volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Sussex Inlet 20 rescued a boater today after an EPIRB was activated in Sussex Inlet.

Jan 7, 2025

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said, “Marine Area Command advised that there was an EPIRB distressed signal received at Sussex Inlet.

“Sussex Inlet 20  and RWCs (jet skis) were deployed just after 11:30am.

“The SI 20 crew headed to the distressed vessel taking on water and were able to successfully tow the vessel back to shore.

“This incident highlights the importance of having an EPIRB on board and depending on the distance a boater is travelling it is a legal requirement to carry one.

“Activating an EPIRB emits a radio distress signal for up to 48 hours which helps Emergency Services to coordinate a rescue response.

“An EPIRB is an important lifesaving tool and should only ever be used when a person is in an emergency please make sure it is registered as this one was not registered,” Inspector Massey said.