21
Jan

GME MT600G Assists in the Rescue of 4 Fishermen

A GME MT600G Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was used in the rescue of a group of friends after their vessel sank in rough seas whilst spearfishing off Broughton Island on the 17th of January 2021.

Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Australia reported the detection of an emergency beacon registered to a recreational vessel in the vicinity of Broughton Island, NSW. NSW Water Police confirmed coordination and tasked the Westpac rescue helicopter to assist.

A nearby vessel of opportunity managed to arrive at the scene before the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and discovered the 4 occupants floating in the water alongside their eskies as their vessel was completely submerged by the rough seas. It was later discovered that they were down to their last flare as the vessel sighted them.

The 4 people were all recovered by the nearby vessel of opportunity where they were then transported safely back to the mainland, eskies in tow.

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.

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