People are being urged to take all necessary safety precautions when heading out on the water after a man died due to a boat capsizing on the Camden Haven River, North Haven on Sunday, December 3.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A spokesperson from NSW Police said the man who died was from Revesby, Sydney and aged 59-years-old. His two male friends, a 48-year-old from Padstow and a 49-year-old from Bonny Hills were rescued.
Camden Haven Marine Rescue unit commander Ken Rutledge assisted in the incident with four other members from the unit.
Mr Rutledge said it is important people log on to the unit when they plan to head out on the water to let members know where they are going and when they plan on returning.
“We can also assist them with what conditions are like on the water,” he said.
Mr Rutledge said wearing a life jacket is compulsory by law.
“We wear life jackets at all times when we’re on the vessel and we would like the public to do the same,” he said.
Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club vice president Ben Hosick was at the beach at the time of the incident training for the Bronze Medallion certificate.
Mr Hosick said members of the patrol acted ‘quickly, efficiently and professionally’ to the incident. Inflatable Rescue Boats helped to rescue two men from the water and bring them to shore.
Mr Hosick said he commended members from the surf club as well as those who assisted from Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club. He said the fact that so many people were willing to help highlighted the caring spirit of the local community.
There were junior members on patrol at the time of the incident and Mr Hosick said they responded with maturity.
Roads and Maritime Services acting boating safety officer for the Camden Haven area Steve Cribb said the condition of the bar depends on the tide.
“If it’s outgoing tide it can be quite tricky,” he said.
“If you’re ever in doubt just don’t go out.”
Mr Cribb said an hour after the incident the conditions at the bar were fine.
He said it’s important people wear a life jacket, carry the appropriate safety equipment and check the conditions by talking to Marine Rescue.
Mr Cribb said before people go out to enjoy the water for the summer they are advised to check if their safety equipment is still in date, especially life jackets.
An incident report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
