At approximately 10pm on Friday night, the Northern Territory Police Force's Search and Rescue Section (SRS) assisted the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in coordinating a response to an unregistered EPIRB activation approximately 70km northeast of Borroloola, in the remote area of Pellew Islands.
An AMSA Challenger rescue aircraft was deployed by JRCC from Cairns to support aerial search efforts, while on-water assistance was provided by local mariners from King Ash Bay.
At around 1am, an overturned landing craft was located from the air, with a 55-year-old man clinging to the hull. The responding vessel from King Ash Bay reached the scene shortly after and successfully rescued the man, who was in good health despite being stranded for nearly four hours.
The rescue was complicated by the area's remoteness and hostile environment with saltwater crocodiles populating the region.
Search Coordinator, Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr from the SRS, said, "While the activation of the EPIRB played a key role in the successful rescue, it was the swift action and support from King Ash Bay locals that ultimately ensured the man's survival. Their knowledge of the area and willingness to assist authorities in rescuing a fellow Territorian cannot be overstated".
The cause of the incident remains unknown, however initial indications suggest that vessel overloading and rough sea conditions may have contributed and will be the subject of a marine incident report via Marine Safety NT.
This incident serves as a timely reminder for all mariners to ensure their EPIRBs are current and registered with AMSA.
