Despite a significant multi-agency response to an overturned boat off Cape Solander, Sydney, a 76-year-old man has sadly been unable to be revived.
Shortly after 10.30am on Friday, the State Operations Centre received reports of an overturned vessel off the popular southern Sydney waterway.
Initial details of the incident indicated that there were 3 people onboard the stricken boat and that one of the men couldn’t be located by his fellow passengers.
It is understood that nobody on board was wearing a lifejacket.
A large-scale search and rescue operation responded to the scene including NSW Police, Paramedics, and Sutherland Shire Council Lifeguards.
Two Sydney Duty Officers were tasked to attend with Surf Lifesaving assets on standby if required.
Eventually two of the men on the boat were able to make it to shore, but the missing man was not so lucky. He was pulled from the water unconscious and in a highly technical procedure he was later transported from the Police Launch to shore via the Toll Helicopter during which time CPR was being performed in a valiant effort to save his life
The remaining two men aged in their 20s and 60s respectively were later transported to hospital for further treatment.
SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce praised the efforts of all involved in the rescue attempt.
“This was an excellent example of emergency responders working together, and while sadly we didn’t get the outcome we so desperately wanted the fast response and professionalism of everyone involved is a credit to themselves and their agencies.”
“Our sincere thoughts and sympathies go out to the man’s family and friends at this difficult time,” said Mr Pearce.
Today’s tragic incident is a reminder of the importance of safety when out on the water.
“If you’re going to be out on the water check the conditions, bring along the correct safety gear, let others know your plans, and log in with the relevant water safety agency.
“What this incident does reinforce is the need to wear lifejackets when undertaking any recreational activity including boating, and this is a message that the surf life saving community wishes to get out there,” said Mr Pearce. `
Friday 29 December 2017