Two separate search and rescue operations over the weekend involving three boats have resulted in eleven adults and four children being rescued and returned to their communities safe and well.
Sergeant John Pini from the Water Police Section said two fishing trips that set out on Friday ran into trouble.
“We had a report from a local fisherman that a boat was stranded on the eastern side of Cape Hotham on Saturday afternoon. At around the same time we heard a four and a half metre tinny was overdue from Maningrida.”
Sergeant Pini said the three adults aboard a three metre tinny that had set out from Bathurst Island had become disorientated during an afternoon storm and had ended up 70 kilometres away on Cape Hotham where they had run out of fuel.
“A careflight aircraft located them and confirmed that they did not need medical assistance. The PV Darwin River recovered the party on Sunday morning.” Sergeant Pini said.
In the other incident five adults and four children who left Maningrida to go hunting turtle had their outboard motor fail. They were reported to police as an overdue party and a community vessel with 3 adults on board went out overnight to search for them but did not return.
On Sunday morning police began an aerial search using a Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation aircraft and located both parties near Point Braithwaite, 50 kilometres west of Maningrida.”
Sergeant Pini said Police then accompanied Djelk Marine Rangers to the location.
“After being spotted the group had attempted to recover themselves but ran out of fuel and were adrift until they were found by the Ranger vessel.”
Constable First Class Scott Aiken who participated in the air and sea components of the search said that he was very grateful for the support from the community during this incident.
“The BAC aircraft is excellent for a search like this and the Rangers provided the vessel and crew for the recovery. Using local assets made the response more effective”.
Sergeant Pini said that in both situations all of the people were rescued without injury but this highlights what a dangerous environment the sea can be.
“It is the responsibility of the skipper to make sure that the vessel is carrying all of the required safety gear and that every step is taken to make their voyage safe.
“I would encourage everyone venturing out to sea to plan for the possibility that something can go wrong.
"Make sure the vessel and motor are in good condition and carry spare parts and tools. You should also carry extra fresh water and as many different ways to communicate as you possibly can”.
“It is unfortunate that more than half of all water users that have a marine radio do not have it switched on when they are fishing. In an emergency situation boat to boat radio can be a life saver.”
Sergeant Pini warned that the results could have been tragic and no one should be complacent about water safety.
“Please ensure you are equipped for the journey you are undertaking, be aware of the weather, the tides and the capabilities of your vessel. Enjoy the experience but remember safety must come first.”
