One person dies after vessel capsizes at Bulli

A MAN has died and six people were rescued after boat capsized off Waniora Point, Bulli today.

About 10.20am (Sunday October 31 2021), emergency services were called to Bulli, after reports a vessel had capsized.

Wollongong police attended, and with the assistance of Surf Life Savers and the Marine Area Command, seven people were pulled from the water and taken to shore.

Rescuers performed CPR on four people until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

A 37-year-old man could not be revived and died at the scene.

Two males were resuscitated and airlifted to St George Public Hospital in a critical condition. A third male was revived and taken to Wollongong Hospital in a serious condition.

Three other persons were assessed at the scene with no injuries.

A man involved in the rescue was also treated for chemical burns to his face.

A crime scene was established, and specialist officers attached to Marine Area Command have commenced investigations.

In a statement, Surf Life Saving Illawarra (SLSI) spokesman, Anthony Turner thanked the community who reached out to those involved in the tragic boating incident.

“I want to acknowledge the extraordinary response from members of the surfing community at the time who rendered immediate assistance to the seven people in the water and under the capsized boat,” Mr Turner said.

“To the volunteer lifesavers from Bulli, Sandon Point, Thirroul, Woonona and Bellambi SLSC responding in inflatable rescue boats and ATV’s providing immediate assistance rescuing seven males from the water, your response and compassion during this time was nothing short of amazing.

“On arrival to the beach lifesavers commenced urgent medical assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation to four males with a multi agency response from emergency services arriving to work collaboratively at the scene.

“SLSI duty officers and support operations crews on jet skis responded from Coledale, Bulli and Towradgi attended incident.

“NSW Marine Rescue, MAC, lifeguard supervisors and five emergency services helicopters responded to the scene including NSW Ambulance Toll Rescue Helicopters, Pol Air, Care Flight and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service.

“Calls and feedback from NSW Ambulance Toll Rescue Helicopter Crew , NSW Ambulance , NSW Police and SLSNSW State Operations Centre have praised the professionalism of the lifesavers and emergency services on scene.

“Our thoughts are with the families of today’s incident at Waniora Point during this difficult time.

“Again thank you and please look after each other, over the coming days and weeks ahead.”

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