Boat owners taken to Woy Woy

Two boat owners were taken back to Woy Woy boat ramp by Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW after running into trouble on May 17.

The first incident occurred when the crew onboard Brisbane Water Lifeboat were called to attend to a boat that had broken down near Iron Ladder Beach.

"Around 11.30am, the Brisbane Water Lifeboat, skippered by Anthony Porter, was sent to Iron Ladder Beach in Broken Bay to assist a five metre runabout with mechanical problems," publicity officer Mr Ron Cole said.

"The boat, with three people aboard was towed to the ramp at Lions Park, Woy Woy.

"While this vessel was under tow, the crew on duty at the Point Clare Base heard a strange motor noise from a six metre fibreglass runabout passing the base on Brisbane Water.

"In astonishment, they watched as the outboard motor detached from the boat and disappeared.

"The man on board paddled his now motor-less boat to the base jetty.

"One of the Marine Rescue members drove the owner to Woy Woy to his car and trailer.

"He returned to Point Clare where he was assisted to put his boat onto his trailer.

"It was learned that he had recently purchased the boat and this was his first outing."

Press release, 17 May 2010 Ron Cole, Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW