The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) assisted Queensland Water Police in a search for an overdue dinghy with one person on board, between Getullia Island and Sue Island, in Torres Strait.
The search commenced at 10pm yesterday after the Queensland Water Police contacted AMSA for assistance.
The dinghy departed Getullai Island yesterday and failed to arrive at their destination by the expected time.
AMSA tasked the Cairns-based Challenger Rescue Aircraft to conduct a search last night, however the vessel was not located.
The Challenger resumed the search this morning, along with a rescue helicopter and police vessel.
About 11.30am AEDT today the upturned dinghy was located in the water and following a short aerial search the missing person was found about 2km from the dinghy clinging to some flotsam.
The person was winched to safety and taken to Thursday Island to receive medical assistance.
AMSA wishes to thank the crew of RESCUE700 helicopter and the Queensland Water Police for their assistance and we wish the very lucky survivor a speedy recovery.
Any further enquiries should be directed to Queensland Water Police.
-ends-
Footage of the rescue can be downloaded here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/vit5BSYpJ6
AMSA can link directly to TV newsrooms across Australia, and internationally, from our dedicated media studio, for live or pre-recorded interviews or crosses with our spokespeople. For more information contact AMSA media on 1300 624 633 or email media@amsa.gov.au