Northern Territory Police responded to an EPIRB activation near Melville Island yesterday.
The vessel, carrying two males, set off from Leaders Creek on Friday for a three day expedition when they experienced motor failure yesterday.
The pair activated their EPIRB and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra picked up the signal and a Border Force plane quickly located the vessel, which was displaying a “V” sheet.
A nearby commercial fishing boat was directed to the stricken vessel until Water Police could arrive and tow them safely back to Darwin.
Superintendent James Gray-Spence said, “This successful rescue is another example of government and private agencies working together.
“The skipper had sufficient food and water, however, there was missing safety equipment and out of date flares on board.
“Incidents like these are a timely reminder to make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment, including a registered EPIRB, before you venture out on Territory waters.”
For more information on distress beacons visit –
