Northern Territory Water Police are reminding boaters to make sure they have all the necessary safety equipment on board and that EPIRBs are properly registered.
Just before 3.00pm on Wednesday 30 September, Northern Territory Police were contacted by the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra with details of an Emergency Beacon (EPIRB) activation near the Adelaide River mouth to the east of Darwin. The beacon was unregistered and no other information was available.
Water Police launched a vessel from the Saltwater Arm Boat Ramp, whilst a rescue helicopter was tasked to respond from RAAF Base Tindal.
The helicopter crew reported three people on board a small boat tied to the edge of the mangroves, indicating their engine had failed.
Water Police were on the scene a short time later and towed the vessel back to the Saltwater Arm Boat Ramp. The Darwin men, a teenager, a 25-year-old and 50-year-old were grateful for their safe return.
Sergeant Andrew Hocking said, “Even though this rescue was dealt with quickly and all persons were recovered safely, it is an important reminder to register your emergency beacon.
“The registration process provides rescue authorities with crucial information like the details of the owner, details of the vessel, and other emergency contacts. With that information at hand we can work out exactly who and what we are looking for early in the emergency, and respond accordingly.”
This rescue coincides with ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Boating Safety Week and boat users are reminded to make sure everything is in order before heading out on the water.
For more information about boat safety visit
