A man was rescued from the water near Towradgi after being spotted by a recreational boat on Monday, December 29. Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Port Kembla's Hill 60 base received a call from the vessel just before lunchtime.
The recreational boat was traveling from Port Kembla to southern Sydney when the skipper observed an object floating in the water off Towradgi. The skipper immediately contacted the Marine Rescue Port Kembla radio base to report that they had located and retrieved a man from the water.
The man was transported to Wollongong Harbour, where Marine Rescue Port Kembla radio operators had requested NSW Ambulance to meet them. The man was extremely cold and unwell, and paramedics took him to Wollongong Hospital. It is not known how long he was in the water or where he fell from his kayak.
Inspector Sullivan praised the actions of those on board the recreational vessel, saying they saved the man's life. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper lookout, noting that being observant can save lives. He also commended the radio operators for their communication efforts.
Sullivan reported an influx of calls for assistance on the Illawarra and South Coast on Monday, with volunteer crews completing a dozen missions before lunch. Most responses were for mechanical and fuel issues, which he said are preventable. He urged boaters to ensure their vessels are in good working order, have proper safety equipment, wear lifejackets, log on, and carry sufficient fuel.
