Just part of the daily routine - the rescues go on...

10:27 PM Mon 25 May 2009 GMT

'One of the yachts beached in Ballina in the recent storms' .

Recent severe weather has led to busy times for the coast guards up and down the coast of New South Wales.

Pictured is just one of the results of high winds and absent owners. The Ballina Coastguard were called to several assists in the Richmond River at Ballina, as high winds and big seas dragged vessels from their moorings.

For instance, on 24th May, the crew on the Coast Guard rescue boat 'CG101' went to investigate two vessels that were beached on the banks of the river, in the vicinity of the trawler harbour. They soon realised the only chance to float them would be on the exceptionally high tide expected at 8pm that night.

Arriving again at the scene at 7pm (way after all normal workers had gone home and were enjoying watching the seven o'clock news on television) all necessary tow lines were attached to the first vessel, a forty foot ketch.

A tow line was also attached from the mast to a vehicle on shore. Ballina Jet Rescue Boat was also on hand to lend assistance. At 7:30 pm 'CG101' commenced trying to move the ketch, and eventually dislodged it from the sand and mud and she was once again afloat in the river.

It was then onto the second vessel, a steel hulled thirty-six foot yacht. Ballina Coast Guard is very fortunate to have in its flotilla several experienced yachtsmen, and with their skills and much boat hopping between 'CG101', the Ballina Jet Rescue Boat and the yacht the tow lines were attached and the tow began.

After several attempts 'CG101' was unable to move the yacht and a second tow line was attached to the Jet Rescue Boat. The additional power was enough to pull the yacht free and she too was once again afloat.

Coast Guard is pleased to report that this all happened with no damage to any vessel. Skipper of the operation, Norm Lannoy said "It was one of the best team efforts I have ever been involved with".

Just another day in the life of a coast guard officer....

by Joan Hurley/Sail-World

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Just part of the daily routine - the rescues go on...

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