Questionable decision
Victoria police have criticised the actions of a sailor who had to be rescued off Portsea Wednesday night.
Written by Scott Alle
09 April 2020
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The 67-year-old Tasmanian yachtsman had cleared Port Phillip Heads when a problem aboard his traditional style ketch apparently forced him to turn back to Melbourne.
He attempted to enter Port Phillip Bay but ran aground at Corsair Rock near Portsea about 7:30pm.
The man issued a mayday call, however dangerous weather conditions and shallow water meant the Coast Guard and Southern Peninsula Rescue could not reach him.
The Victoria Police Air Wing was called in, but the yacht’s rig made it unsafe for the man to be winched from the deck.
An Air Wing crewman was lowered into the water and told the man to jump into the ocean where he was winched to safety.
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The man was taken to hospital for observation. He has since been released.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said the yachtsman’s journey was inappropriate amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s probably not a time to sail on a yacht to Tasmania,” he said.
“You shouldn’t be doing that.”
A commercial salvage operator is working to tow the yacht back into deeper water today.
A Victoria Water Police spokesman said at least three volunteer rescue vessels plus a Water Police vessel were deployed to assist with the rescue.
On Wednesday 8 April Maritime Safety Victoria announced Victoria was closing boat ramps, piers, jetties, and other marine infrastructure to recreational boating and fishing activities. This includes members of private based facilities.
It is also clear in the FAQ’s on the BetterBoating Victoria website that recreational sailing is not permitted:
Is Kayaking And The Use Of Jet Skis Included In This Restriction?
We are asking Victorians to stop all forms of recreational boating to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Recreational boating includes all forms of human powered boating, including canoeing, kayaking, surf skiing, stand up paddle boarding and rowing, all forms of powered boating including jet skiing, and all forms of wind powered boating includes yachting, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The COVID-19 restrictions vary from state to state and territory. In New South Wales for instance sailing is allowed as it is deemed ‘exercise’ with accompanying social restrictions.
Australian Sailing has advised sailors to check the guidelines in their relevant State or Territory.
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