Marine rescue unit commander warns boaties to check conditions after yacht hit Forster-Tuncurry Bridge

A Mid-North Coast marine rescue commander was enjoying an afternoon at the markets when he noticed a yacht smash into a bridge. Here’s what happened.

Forster CBD as seen from across the bridge at Tuncurry on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

A Mid-North Coast marine rescue commander was enjoying an afternoon at the markets when he saw a yacht smash into busy Forster-Tuncurry Bridge.

Marine Rescue NSW Forster Tuncurry unit commander Geoff Anderson said he was out and about at the Tuncurry markets, a weekly fundraiser for the volunteer organisation, on Saturday

The yacht struck the bridge on the ocean side of Wallis Lake just before 1pm.

The yacht crashes into the bridge at Forster on Sunday (looking across to Tuncurry).

The bar entrance from the ocean can be treacherous and strong winds resulted in difficult conditions on Saturday.

Bureau of Meteorology wind gauges in the area clocked speeds of between 39-44km/h.

Marine Rescue NSW Forster Tuncurry rescue boat FO30 was called into action.

However, two NSW Maritime vessels, assisted by a jet ski rider, helped guide the yacht to a mooring at Cape Hawke Harbour.

A Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry spokesperson said Maritime NSW talked to the skipper of the yacht “and all persons on-board were safe and sound”.

“Consequently, our rescue vessel and crew were stood down and returned to berth with no further incident,” they said.

Forster Tuncurry FO 30 responded after the yacht crashed into the Forster Tuncurry Bridge on November 23, but Maritime NSW took charge.

In late July, fishermen leapt into action to rescue a yacht which came perilously close to hitting the same bridge.

That vessel’s skipper made an urgent call to the Marine Rescue NSW unit late in the afternoon, battling wild weather and strong tides.

Anglers help rescue a yacht pulled from its mooring at Forster.

The incident at the bridge connecting the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry captured attention in the community and sparked discussion on social media.

Michael Brittain quipped on Facebook: “Ya’ can’t park there buddy.”

Many praised first responders, Mr Anderson said the bridge strike was a timely reminder for boaties to obtain information on bar conditions and to log trips with Marine Rescue NSW.

He said it was “very quick and easy to download our free Marine Rescue app”.

Boaties can also radio in using VHF channel 16, or phone [phone].

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