We left the Coffs marina , as planned at 5.30 am, and headed out for our next stop, Iluka. The seas have abated a lot, and there is little helpful breeze, but at least the influence of the East Coast Current is less concerning. It is now down to 0-0.5 knots, against us. The seas are sloppy and the skies overcast, but we make good progress motoring and motor sailing.
Crossing the bar at high tide into the Clarence still showed breaking water on the Northern side of the bar, although sneaking in around the Southern wall was relatively uneventful, but still affected by the big seas, with a bit of surfing on the way in.
Arrival at the anchorage in Iluka was at around 3pm. It is always tricky to get into the shallow harbour at Iluka, and this time Koonya had the misfortune of running aground. We have done it ourselves before, but not as solidly as Koonya. Some futile efforts by me in our dinghy made no impression on resolving the problem.
Koonya aground
Marine Rescue was called to get them off the shallow area before the tide started to fall, and despite a fair delay in getting someone there to help, they did a great job in getting Koonya into deeper water and relieving a few stressed people.
The Rescue Team Arrive
The crew appear to be relieved
Carole and I went ashore to get a gas bottle refilled at the caravan park, and to buy some mouse traps, to try to get rid of a stowaway that joined us in Coffs Harbour. Lets hope we have some success in catching the little mouse tonight.
After all of the stress of the rescue, we decided we would all go to Sedgers Reef Hotel for dinner. The food is still good and was enjoyed by all.
A stow away should make some little fish happy. Tell Koonya I know how they feel. Its an unmistakeable sensation.
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