Northern Territory Police were present to monitor the recent Sandbar Party in Darwin harbour on Saturday.
The Search and Rescue Section along with Surf Lifesaving NT and NT Marine Safety were in attendance with a total of 6 vessels deployed.
St John Ambulance and Careflight were also on standby to deploy if needed.
Over the course of the day and into the evening the police operation retuned the following results:
- 1 x Marine Infringement Notice (Fail to carry required safety equipment)
- 20 x Cautions were issued for unsafe navigation, overloaded vessels and jet ski operators failing to wear a life jacket
- 9 x Persons rescued from the water due to being separated from their vessels
- 2 x Vessels towed due to being disabled (Including a submerged jet ski)
- 1 x Persons conveyed from Sand Bar to Cullen Bay jetty for medical treatment
Acting Senior Sergeant Zac Winkworth said ” With between 600-800 attendees and over 170 counted vessels, overall, it was largely incident free event which can be attributed to the presence of police and other assisting organisations.
” It should be noted that the Sandbar Party is not approved or condoned by NT Police, but we will always prepare and deploy to large events to ensure the safety of everyone.
” When out on the water, the Search and Rescue Section would remind everyone to always carry approved lifejackets, safety equipment and a registered, working EPIRB.
“For those on sandbars, Territory tides are some of the largest in Australia and what is once solid ground can quickly be underwater in matter of seconds.”
