Solo sailor rescued in Cooktown

Cooktown rescue

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has coordinated the rescue of a man from a yacht about 2km south of Endeavour River, near Cooktown in north Queensland.

AMSA’s Response Centre received an emergency beacon alert about 10am (AEST) on Thursday 29 September from a yacht in danger of being blown on to rocks.

AMSA tasked its Cairns-based Challenger aircraft and a rescue helicopter, while Queensland Police tasked the Cooktown Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) to attend.

Cooktown Police attempted to access the location but were unable to gain access and the yacht subsequently dragged on to the rocks. 

The crew member scrambled ashore and was rescued by the helicopter and taken to Cooktown.

AMSA thanks the Cairns-based Rescue 441 helicopter crew, Queensland Police and Cooktown VMR for their support.

This rescue highlights the importance of having a registered and GPS-encoded emergency beacon. 

Having the right equipment is the best chance you have to save your life and be rescued. 
 

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