Kalbarri Marine Rescue saves solo yachtsman and dog from stricken vessel in wild weather

A solo yachtsman was lucky to escape serious injury when he encountered trouble in severe weather off Kalbarri, forcing him and his dog to be rescued.

Kalbarri Marine Rescue received an alert from Water Police about 2.45am on Tuesday that a yacht had been driven ashore by strong winds at the mouth of the Murchison River.

A rescue crew was sent out and were able to reach the yacht from the river side of the reef where they rescued the skipper and dog and took them back to shore on the rescue vessel.

Kalbarri Volunteer Marine Rescue commander Barry Kennewell told 7News Regional WA the reef was known to locals as a “washing machine”.

“We would have advised him not to come in through that mouth or we would have gone and escorted him through if it was possible,” he said.

Mr Kennewell said the man was in shock when crews pulled the yacht to safety.

“It was a pretty terrifying incident that he went through,” he said.

“He was a very lucky gentleman.”

The yachtsman was taken to Kalbarri Health Centre with minor injuries, but was later released.

The yacht remains stricken on the reef. A salvage attempt will be made when the weather improves.

Later this week, Mr Kennewell said the man who was rescued was in talks with local cray fishermen to remove the yacht from the reef, but was not a hazard to other boaters.

“It’s sitting high and dry on the reef,” he said

Mr Kennewell said he reminded those who enter unknown ports should contact emergency services and seek advise.

“We have a great team up here they back one other up and it doesn’t matter which crew goes out they’re all well trained and do a good job,” he said.