A GME MT406G EPIRB was used in the rescue of four people after their vessel struck a whale off Palm Island on the 15th of August, 2020.
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Australia reported the detection of an emergency beacon registered to a recreational vessel 3NM East of Great Palm Island, QLD. Townsville Water Police confirmed coordination and tasked a local Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) vessel to assist.
Upon arrival at the scene the VMR vessel discovered the recreational vessel floating without controls. Following discussions with the crew it was discovered to have struck a whale causing one occupant to be thrown overboard and another to be injured. The impact also rendered the vessel inoperable, causing the crew to be stranded with no way to navigate back to shore.
The two injured passengers were transported to the Palm Island Clinic for treatment by the VMR vessel whilst the stricken vessel and remaining crew were taken under tow by a nearby recreational vessel.
This serves to remind us how important it is to carry PLBs and EPIRBs and ensure that their registration details are up to date before heading out to sea.
For more information on our range of emergency beacons click here.