Ski boat capsizes

A six metre $30,000 ski boat capsized while crossing the bar at Little Box Head around midday on March 13.

Local police, NSW Maritime and Marine Rescue Central Coast were notified and attended the scene almost immediately.

Marine Rescue Central Coast public relations officer Mr Ron Cole said three people were thrown into the water as a result of the incident.

"As rescue boat skipper Norm Smith and his crew of Ian Brown, Ken Sharp and Ted Leeson were hurrying to the scene, they were advised that two of the people had been picked up by a motor cruiser and that the third person was on a fishing club member's runabout," Mr Cole said.

"Seas on arrival at Little Box Head were found to be short, very lumpy and about two metres.

"The bow of the capsized boat was just visible, floating vertically due to the weight of its 225HP motor.

"With the assistance of a local surf life saving club rescue boat, a tow line was attached to the capsized vessel and it was dragged to Lobster Beach.

"A NSW Maritime vessel collected the three men from the overturned vessel.

"One had a badly lacerated toe and was transferred to Central Coast Lifeboat for first-aid treatment and subsequent transfer to an ambulance at Woy Woy.

"The Maritime BSO transported the other men to Apple Tree Bay to collect their car and boat trailer.

"The ski-boat skipper told the Marine Rescue NSW crew that they were hit by a wave and flipped.

"With the assistance of two local surf club members as well as three members of the public at Lobster Beach, the ski boat was righted and pumped out using equipment from the Marine Rescue vessel.

"Once afloat the $30,000 ski-boat was towed to the inner ramp at Lions Park, Woy Woy.

"The rescue was a great example of cooperation among several agencies, leading to a positive result for all involved."

Press release, 14 Mar 2010 Ron Cole, Marine Rescue Central Coast