NT yachtie rescued after falling from boat
Dramatic video shows rescuers finding and saving solo sailor who fell overboard in the Gulf of CarpentariaAustralia’s marine safety watchdog has released video of the dramatic rescue of a lone yachtsman who fell from his sailboat in the middle of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has credited a personal locator beacon attached to the man’s life jacket for saving his life.
After braving the risk of crocodiles and sharks, he was later rescued in a joint operation on November 4 using the Cairns-based AMSA Challenger search and rescue jet, other supporting aircraft, and Northern Territory police.
AMSA said the yachtsman’s PLB allowed it to track the yachtsman via its Canberra-based incident response centre, as well as identify the yacht that the man fell from.
Rescuers dropped a liferaft once the man was located, with NT Water Police asked to motor to the location, about 45km east of Cape Wessel in the Arafura Sea.
Rescuers were unable to recover the yacht due to deteriorating weather.
AMSA Response Centre acting manager Jamie Storrie said rescuers could only concentrate its search efforts if they knew where to look.
“This incident highlights the importance of individuals taking personal responsibility for their safety at sea,” Storrie said.
“When you are on any boat, conditions can change and you can find yourself in the water.
“Wearing a life jacket is designed to prevent a person from drowning, but a life jacket with a personal locator beacon will enable us to find you.”
NT Police acting superintendent Michael Milde said the result of the search could have been tragic if the man was not wearing his life jacket.
“The actions of the yachtie himself are also to be commended,” Milde said.
“The fact that he was wearing a life jacket which had a personal locator beacon attached highlights the importance of carrying and correctly utilising the correct safety equipment whilst at sea.”
Authorities are continuing to track the yacht to assist in its recovery.
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