Having travelled from southern seas a lone sailor headed into Noosa River aboard his 8m yacht, Intrusior, expecting a quiet rest over but his plans went adrift when his boat stuck fast in the sand crossing the Noosa Bar last Thursday.
Noosa Coast Guard’s Ian Hutchins said the man declared a mayday about 4.30pm on Thursday while crossing the Bar.
Noosa Surf Life Savers on jet skis took the man off the yacht which was left anchored overnight to await the morning high tide when the Coast Guard planned to retrieve it, Ian said.
But as the tide rose on Friday morning the boat lost its anchor and drifted freely into the Noosa River.
Fortunately the Coast Guard came to its aid, securing the boat and reuniting the owner with it.
During its overnight anchoring on the Bar the yacht also lost its motor and solar panels.
The sailor has anchored safely in the river but will have to wait for repairs before he can continue his journey.
Ian said it could have been a lot worse.
“He’s lucky there were no injuries,“ he said.
