Approximately 2pm (AWST) today (12 July) the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received an emergency beacon signal at African Reef, 11km offshore and 22km south of Geraldton, Western Australia (WA).
Further information was later received that a 5.9m quintrex vessel had capsized in the vicinity of the emergency beacon signal and one person was in the water.
AMSA tasked a resource sector helicopter from Dongara and the Perth Challenger to the emergency beacon position. The WA Police Force’s Water Police Coordination Centre tasked a Marine Rescue Geraldton vessel and placed a rescue helicopter from Perth on standby. Nearby fishing vessel John Edward also attended the location.
Approximately 3.25pm (AWST), the person identified as the registered beacon owner was successfully rescued injury-free by the Marine Rescue Geraldton vessel and the capsized vessel was taken under tow. The rescued person did not require medical treatment and was taken to the Geraldton boat ramp.
Footage of the rescue can be downloaded here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/GLzlxdCHtI
ENDS
Credit footage to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
For media enquiries email media@amsa.gov.au or call 1300 624 633