11-year-old boy saves the day, dad, the dog and new boat
An 11-year-old boy saves the day, one sick and sorry dad, and Licker the dogQueensland Water Police have kindly shared the following boating incident to help create awareness about the importance of briefing your crew about where the safety gear is kept aboard.
During the morning of Monday, January 16, a boater named Martin, his 11-year-old son Philip and their dog “Licker” went out for a trip in their newly purchased boat. After a number of test trips, Martin was keen to show his son a large oil tanker traversing the shipping channel. Martin, an experienced mariner, was excited to immerse his son Philip in to the world of boating, as he had never been on the water in a boat before.
Upon approaching the tanker, Martin began to feel unwell and subsequently begun the voyage home towards Sandgate. Moments after, the main engine stalled leaving only a small auxiliary motor to get them back. Martin's condition worsened, causing him to fall in and out of consciousness. Philip, aware of the pending danger, raised the alarm by calling relatives for help.
As a result, the Brisbane Water Police were notified and commenced a search and rescue operation. Redcliffe Coast Guard were tasked to deploy. During this time Philip calmly maintained control of the boat, tended to his ill father and communicated with Redcliffe Coast Guard, giving his approximate position.
Without training or experience, Philip located and activated a flare which enabled the rescue of his father, himself and Licker the dog.
Upon reaching shore, Martin was treated by Queensland Ambulance Service for extreme sea sickness, owing his safety to the exceptionally quick and calm thinking of his 11-year-old son. Water Police officers have since been in contact with Martin, who has now fully recovered.
Brisbane Water Police would like to remind mariners of the importance of briefing passengers on the location and operation of marine safety equipment on board and to ensure this equipment is in date and easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
More about boating safety at this page from Marine Safety Queensland.
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