Fraser Island: fishing boat drama
Posted on 17-Nov-2011
The AGL Action Rescue helicopter was called out to assist in a potential maritime rescue in the waters off Fraser Island this morning (Thursday). Cooloola Rescue Coastguard headed out after receiving a distress call from the fishing boat saying it was sinking. The 28' fishing boat was 25 kilometres off the southern tip of Fraser Island. Rescue pilot, Peter Marris, takes up the story:
“En-route I was able to make contact with the boat by mobile phone and confirmed all four men on board were safe and well. They were taking on water and reported their bilge pump, engine and radios had all failed leaving them stranded. I advised our ETA. On approach I attempted to call them again but they didn’t respond.
“Once overhead, we were able to see the men were okay and that the vessel did not appear to be listing. With the Coastguard boat only ten minutes away we maintained aerial surveillance until the Coastguard arrived on scene.”
The boat, with the four men still on board, has been towed to Tin Can Bay.
Fraser Island file picture
