BY IAN CROUCH
Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue have safely brought nine people to shore after a commercial vessel started taking on water off Swansea Heads.
The skipper called for help just before 9 yesterday morning and Rescue Vessel Lake Macquarie 30 and 2 rescue jets skis took about 20 minutes to reach the 6 metre craft about 5-and-a-half kilometres off the heads.
Nine divers were transferred onto the rescue vessel and taken back to the Swansea RSL Wharf.
The rescue team returned to the stricken vessel and assisted the skipper, with the boat towed to Blacksmith Boat Ramp.
