29
Mar

GME MT600G Aids in the Rescue of Solo Yachtsman

A GME MT600G Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was used in the rescue of a person after their vessel capsized near Encounter Bay in SA on the 27th of March, 2021.

Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Australia reported the detection of an emergency beacon in Lake Alexandrina, SA. The beacon was found to be registered to a seven-meter catamaran with one person onboard. Two aircraft of opportunity were used by the JRCC to investigate the scene and confirmed that the catamaran had capsized.

JRCC Australia transferred coordination to the SA Police who tasked the nearby Goolwa Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) to respond. JRCC also tasked the Westpac rescue helicopter from Adelaide to assist the VMR vessel in locating the yachtsman.

Fortunately, a nearby vessel of opportunity was first on scene and recovered the yachtsman from the water before he was transferred to the VMR vessel upon arrival. The yachtsman was then transported safely back to Goolwa with no major injuries.

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, especially on a solo voyage.

For more information on our range of emergency beacons click here.