NSW bushfires: Sydney-Hobart yacht Gun Runner caught up in drama
A Sydney to Hobart crew had a drama at sea but found a much bigger one on land when they limped into bushfire ravaged Eden after being dismasted.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Wild Oats' Sydney to Hobart future unclear
- Good sports: Soccer kicks in to raise funds for fire victims
- Rugby speedster’s very cool nickname
They were supposed to be sailing to Sydney but instead the crew on the Sydney to Hobart yacht Gun Runner are chipping in any way they can to help locals affected by bushfires on the NSW south coast after a major drama at sea.
The little 30-footer, owned by the army and the smallest yacht in the 75th anniversary Sydney to Hobart yacht race, was dismasted off Eden, on the NSW south coast, early Sunday morning in winds gusting to 50 knots and big seas.
HAZARDOUS: Rowers, footballers relocate to escape smoke
SYDNEY TO HOBART: Final placings, wrap
TEEN STAR: Stella hoping to be a big hit - again
TRIBUTE: How Scallywag crew honour lost mate
Skipper Major Murray Stewart, who sustained a minor laceration to his head during the dismasting, said he and his well-trained crew managed to secure the yacht and sail to bushfire affected Eden where the township had been evacuated to the local wharf.
It was thick, choking and there was ash raining down on the boat
“We got in at 5.30am and had a sleep and woke at 8.30am and it could have been 8pm at night. The sky was red and it was dark,’’ Major Stewart said.
“We ended up getting caught up in this fire emergency and then ended up in a bus being evacuated to Merimbula and are now at the RSL club.
“Ours was such a minor thing compared to what people are going through.’’
Murray said a number of men in his crew had experience with bushfire incidents and were helping with headcounts, administration and any labouring required.
Murray, an experienced sailor, said visibility at sea as the yacht motored to safety early Sunday was radically reduced and he and his crew at one stage could not see a nearby lighthouse due to the smoke.
TOKYO 2020: From second hand bike to Olympics
GO GIRL: Motocross rider back on her bike
“It was thick, chocking and there was ash raining down on the boat,’’ he said
Murray said he and his crew were offered free food and drink from a local cafe in Eden and also free accommodation.
“We were just warned there might be a knock on the door at some stage to have someone come in and share,’’ he said.
“The community spirit is amazing. Support is pouring in.’’
The little 40-footer yacht reportedly lost her keel less than an hour before Gun Runner was dismasted and overturned.
A Mayday was issued and her delivery crew took to life rafts before being rescued by a police launch from Port Kembla.
A navigational warning has been issued for the yacht.
MORE NEWS
