Williamstown’s water police have issued a warning to boaters after two vessels ran aground on Sunday.
Four people were aboard a boat that failed to anchor properly and drifted on to a reef off Point Gellibrand about 2pm.
PICTURE GALLERY: Point Gellibrand boat rescue
Another boat got stuck on rocks after cutting a corner while leaving The Warmies channel at Newport.
Acting Sergeant Matt Henderson said that in the first incident, the people did not realise their boat’s anchor hadn’t caught on the bottom.
“The weather came up and they drifted on to the shallows,” he said. “They tried to get themselves out of the shallows … and started the motors, I believe, and damaged their propellers. Then they couldn’t get out of there.”
He said a police rescue vessel unsuccessfully tried to tow the boat off the rocks. “ Our two water police guys who were swimming in the water actually waded out and escorted them back to shore. It was only about waist-depth by the end.”
Acting Sergeant Henderson said two men aboard a vessel at Newport found themselves in a similar situation when their boat hit the rocks. They bailed out water and waited until high tide to be towed in by police.
“I think it’s really important that people actually receive some training, particularly in anchoring,” Acting Sergeant Henderson said. “And the other thing is, have a good understanding of navigation and the hazards in your area. The water police are certainly available to discuss that if people need advice.”
