The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) have issued an emergency beacons reminder after they coordinated the rescue of three people after their recreational vessel sank near Block Reef, nearly 90km north-east of Airlie Beach.
At 10.15pm (local time), 25 July 2024, AMSA detected the vessel’s emergency beacon, tasking the Cairns-based Challenger rescue aircraft and two rescue helicopters – CQ Rescue helicopter from Mackay and QG Air Rescue helicopter from Townsville – to the scene.
Mackay Water Police also provided assistance, tasking the police vessel Damien Leeding in support. The Mackay rescue helicopter located three crew on board the sinking vessel and dropped a life raft. The crew boarded the life raft moments before the vessel sunk.
The water police vessel arrived on scene soon after, recovering all of three crew from the life raft. The three survivors were safely taken to shore, uninjured.
AMSA said this successful outcome is a timely reminder how important it is to always stow a registered emergency beacon, it could save your life.
More information about registering beacons: Registration information