Coast Guard issues warning to boaties after yacht ran aground near Mooloolah River

The Coast Guard has warned boaties of the perils of crossing bars after a 14-metre yacht ran aground near the Mooloolah River and copped a hammering from waves.

Coast Guard Mooloolaba had to tow a yacht into shore on Monday after after it hit a sand bar in attempt to enter the Mooloolah River mouth. Picture: Carmel Laxton

A 14-metre yacht had to be towed back to shore after it ran aground on a sandbar near the Mooloolah River and was being battered by waves.

Twin Waters resident Carmel Laxton witnessed the yacht’s skipper attempt to enter the river mouth on Monday.

She said the yacht was pummelled by the ocean and described it as a “worrying” scene.

“The boat was being battered by waves. Eventually, the skipper managed to free the boat but it seemed that they were still in strife,” she said.

Coast Guard Mooloolaba was tasked to tow the vessel back into shore about 5pm on Monday.

Deputy commander Rod Ashlin said the yacht’s engine coupling had been sheared in attempts to free it from the sandbar.

Coast Guard Mooloolaba had to tow a yacht into shore on Monday after it hit a sandbar in attempt to enter the Mooloolah River mouth. Picture: Carmel Laxton

Mr Ashlin, through Coast Guard Mooloolaba’s social media channel, said the yacht ran aground on low tide on Monday afternoon and was brought in about dusk.

“Our crew got him in, but there is very little water currently at the entrance and Mooloolaba rescue boat touched going out and the yacht touched coming in through the deepest water to the west of the centre-line,” Mr Ashlin said.

“We suggest that until the channel dredging is completed, vessels with a draught over about 1.5m wait until close to high tide to cross the bar.”