Emergency in Gold Coast Race

Lisa Ratcliff report

0445hours; 28 July 2003

Just before 3.00am this morning, an entry in the 18th annual Sydney Gold Coast Race fleet pressed its Emergency Positioning Device indicating an emergency aboard.

Chris Bowling's boat Redrock Communications reportedly ran aground off the Solitary Islands near Coffs Harbour and started taking water.

The six crewmembers took to their liferaft when the situation required the vessel to be abandoned.

Another race entry, Mike Kelaher's Santana went to their assistance, standing by until a Coffs Harbour Water Police vessel arrived.

All six were picked up safely by the Water Police just after 4.30am and are being transported back to Coffs Harbour.