Lakes Entrance Coast Guard was heavily involved in the rescue of 21 people, including seven children, and one dog, last Thursday.

The people were stranded at Tamboon Inlet because of the bushfire situation and had no way to get out by land.

The Pinky B left Lakes Entrance at 10.45am, arriving at Tamboon at 12.45pm, meeting with Police Boat VP 09, which had travelled down from Mallacoota to assist with the rescue.

Water Police’s Inflatable Rescue Boat with assistance from Marlo jet skis then transferred the evacuees on to the two vessels. There were seven on Pinky B and 14 on the Water Police boat.

By 1.30pm they were all loaded and headed back to Lakes Entrance, arriving at 4.45pm.

Once inside the entrance, five people elected to be taken to Lakes Entrance and the rest were taken to Paynesville on VP 09.

When asked how the rescued were once on the boat, head of the Lakes Coastguard, Mick Smallwood, reported they were all very relieved, but in good spirits.

“A couple of the children had asthma, but were okay,” he said.

“The other crewman on the Pinky B was Greg, who is a paramedic, so all was fine.

“They were just so appreciative to get out of the situation.”

IMAGE: Lakes Entrance Coastguard vessel, Pinky B, was in action helping rescue 21 people standard at Tamboon Inlet last Thursday with the help of East Gippsland Water Police boat, VP 09. (PS)