Boat hits oyster lease

Eight people were rescued by members of the Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW after a hire boat they were using on Brisbane Water struck a submerged oyster lease on May 9.

Crew onboard Central Coast Lifeboat were conducting a training exercise on the bar at Box Head when they received an urgent call from the radio base, according to public relations officer Mr Ron Cole.

"The crew responded immediately, and with emergency lights flashing they raced to Paddy's Channel where they soon discovered a hire launch near an oyster lease at the northern end of the channel," Mr Cole said.

"The boat had its bow nearly submerged and its stern was raised.

"The three men, three women (one pregnant) and two children on board were bailing frantically.

"Six were wearing life jackets.

"The marine rescue crew were told that the hire boat had strayed too close to the oyster lease and struck a submerged post holing the hired launch.

"The families were transferred to the rescue boat, and some treated for shock and hyperthermia.

"The families were taken to the hire company marina at Ettalong and were able to retrieve its damaged vessel."

Press release, 10 May 2010 Ron Cole, Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW