Nine rescued from vessel at risk of sinking off New South Wales, Australia

Nine people have been returned safely to shore after the commercial vessel they were on started taking on water 5.5 kilometres off Swansea Heads in New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday, January 12.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said radio operators at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie received a call from the skipper of the disabled vessel just before 09:00 local time on Sunday.

"The commercial vessel was taking on water and at risk of sinking," said Raymond. "Multiple assets from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie were tasked for the response with rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 30 and both rescue watercraft (jet skis) arriving on scene within 20 minutes."

Nine people were taken on board Lake Macquarie 30 with the support of both rescue watercraft.

"Lake Macquarie 30 was met by rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 31 at the bar where four people were transferred on board the second rescue boat," added Raymond. "Both Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie vessels then transported the nine people safely back to the Swansea RSL wharf, no injuries were reported."

The six-metre commercial vessel has since been secured and towed to Blacksmiths boat ramp.