Just spoke to my parents and they are OK with only minor injuries. Alex has a cut over one eye and Kaye has a sprained leg. Justice (Doberman dog) came out with no injuries.
What Happened;
After sailing north from Coffs Harbour they waited outside Yamba Bar for an hour before attempting to come in. It just happened to be the biggest two waves of the day (10ft)rolled in from nowhere and pick them up spearing the nose of the 38ft Gaff-cutter into the
water and threw them sideways. Kaye and the dog were thrown clear but Alex got tangled in the ropes and rolled three times with the
boat. Kaye and the dog were smashed by the next wave tossing them like a
washing machine. Kaye had her life jacket on and came up looking for Justice. the dog managed to swim to the surface 10seconds later.
Marine rescue and Westpac helicopter where soon on the scene but it was surf
rescue that braved the swell snatching them all up between the sets.
The
boat is a mess. All the
mast and
rigging is gone and all valuables ruined. The are lucky to be alive. The boat was insured.