Check The Weather Before You Camp

Lucinda Coast Guard volunteers were contacted on July 19th's wet and windy morning, and were tasked with launching their large rescue vessel "Snow Stafford", and to proceed to Zoe Bay on Hinchinbrook Island.

A couple with two small children had been camping over there for several days, but awoke that morning to discover that the weather had severely deteriorated, and the seas were too big and dangerous for them to attempt the return trip to Dungeness. An anchored yacht was luckily able to contact the Coast Guard for them, in a place where phone and radio reception is usually very poor.

The Coast Guard crew arrived after a very rough trip and managed to transfer the wife and children into the rescue vessel, while the husband steered the tinnie while under tow. It was then a very slow and rough trip back, with very sea-sick passengers, but all were landed safely at Dungeness after a delay due to the low tide.

People who go camping on our wonderful islands should be aware of the weather conditions for several days beyond their planned return date, to ensure that they can cover the distance back safely.

Plan well, and stay safe on the water.

Contributed with thanks by Steve Whipps, QF-14 Coastguard

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