At 11am (AEST) this morning, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received a signal from an emergency beacon from a location off Cape Farquhar in north west Western Australia. AMSA diverted an RAAF aircraft that was in the area to search for a vessel in distress, along with AMSA’s Perth-based challenger rescue aircraft. A helicopter from Exmouth and a local vessel were also dispatched to assist. At 12:45pm (AEST) the RAAF aircraft located an upturned hull about 23 kilometres northwest of Cape Farquhar. All four crew, who were wearing lifejackets, have now been winched to safety by the rescue helicopter. The survivors are reportedly suffering from mild hypothermia and have been taken to Coral Bay where they will be medically assessed. AMSA would like to thank the crews of the CHC helicopter from Exmouth, RAAF aircraft and the vessel KESHI MER for their prompt assistance. This rescue further highlights how wearing a lifejacket and carrying an emergency beacon on board a small vessel can potentially save your life.
Footage of the upturned boat can be downloaded here:
