Marine Rescue

Just before 6pm on 3 August, Marine Rescue Port Stephens received a call from a skipper on an 11 metre Sail Mono Yacht having an issue with a damaged propeller.

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The skipper was not familiar with the area and was aground on sand in shallow water around Myall point area.

Skipper Laurie and crew Howard, Paul and Jeff quickly had PS31 ready for night operations. The PS31 headed out to the location with great care as the area around the vessel was very shallow, down to less than 1 metre at times.

After the distressed vessel was located, the crew determined the best course of action.

A tow was set-up and with careful manoeuvring by the skipper, and with good line work by Paul and Jeff from the back deck, the vessel was towed to safe water.

Once safe, the yacht was rafted alongside PS31 and then taken to a safer, deep location further along Jimmy’s Beach.

The skipper was happy with the location and subsequently dropped his anchor for an overnight stay.

PS31 crew monitored the vessel to make sure it was secure and not drifting.

Medicines For Kids

Medicines containing sedating antihistamines should never be used for cough, cold or flu symptoms in children less than six years old, and these medicines should never be given to children less than two years old for any reason.

NSW Poisons Information centre states that these older antihistamines can cause drowsiness and young children are at greatest risk of harm.

They include promethazine, brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine and doxylamine.

The newer antihistamines – including loratadine, desloratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine – cause much less drowsiness and are safer for use in children to treat allergy symptoms.

“Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on safe and effective treatments for coughs, cold and flu. Recommended treatments for children under 6 years of age include plenty of rest, regular fluid intake, paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or fever and saline nose drops to help unblock stuffy noses, said a spokesperson for the centre.

“Always call the poisons centre on 131 126 for advice if you have given incorrect medication to your child,” the centre said.

National Missing Persons Week

Last week was National Missing Persons Week; an annual week of action that takes place in Australia to raise awareness of the significant issues surrounding missing persons.

The week is used to profile long-term missing persons and to educate the Australian Community.

The Australian Federal Police said last year alone more than 53,000 missing persons reports were made.

In the Myall Lakes region, the missing persons register acknowledges two residents: Lawrence Walters and Allan Bentley.

Lawrence Walters has been missing since 8 May 1983, when he was last seen with his family fishing off a reserve in Hawks Nest.

Mr Walters was making his way to nearby amenities and has not been seen or heard from since.

He is described as a Caucasian male about 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with brown hair.

If Mr Walters was alive today, he would be 110 years old.

Allan Bentley has been missing since 26 April 2021 and he was last seen at his residence on Pindimar Road.

He is described as a Causcasian male aged 63, 179cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair, blue/grey eyes and a light brown complexion.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

By Tara CAMPBELL