Textbook rescue for RAN | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

CAPSIZE: Ballina Jet Boat Surf Rescue’s Joe O’Connor (left) helps two sailors from HMAS Gascoyne.

WEDNESDAY'S rescue of two Royal Australian Navy sailors after their craft capsized crossing the Ballina bar was the second time the Ballina Jet Boat Surf Rescue has helped military personnel since the group was established in 1971.

The jet boat was called at about 2.15pm after a freak wave hit the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) the sailors were travelling in on their way back over the bar to the minesweeper HMAS Gascoyne, anchored off the coast.

The sailors had just finished ferrying young navy cadets from Ballina-based unit TS Lismore back to Fawcett Park after the cadets had spent much of the day on the ship.

Treasurer of the jet boat and former captain, Elton Cummings, said the situation could have been much worse if the cadets had still been on board the RIB.

He said the rescue, involving the jet boat's jet ski, was a textbook process because of the professionalism of the two sailors, who were both wearing safety gear and were well-drilled in rescue techniques.

The jet ski was used to tow the RIB to the sand spit near the sailing club, and the sailors waited on board a civilian yacht for its return.

Members of the community then helped the sailors right the overturned craft at the spit.

The coast guard's vessel CG101 towed the RIB back to the Gascoyne.

About 20 years ago, the jet boat was called to the aid of soldiers after the vehicle they were travelling in had overturned on South Ballina Beach.