Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Two men have been rescued from a life raft after their vessel caught fire, 40km off the coast from Lake McLeod, north of Carnarvon.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority were alerted to the drama unfolding in the ocean after a distress beacon registered to 16m vessel Conquistador was set off at about 2.20am.
AMSA’s Challenger jet from Perth and a nearby merchant vessel, bulk carrier Ikan Senyur, were diverted to the area. Carnarvon Volunteer Sea Rescue was also called in to assist.
The men in their 30s were located in a life raft about 4.50am and at 5.10am the Ikan Senyur launched a rescue boat to recover the men. Both have now been brought aboardfor a medical assessment.
AMSA’s Search and Rescue Manager Alan Lloyd said the men were lucky to be alive.
“By activating their distress beacon, these men were able to alert us to their situation immediately,” Mr Lloyd said.
“I’d like to thank the crew of the Ikan Senyur for responding to our request for assistance.
“Every minute counts in search and rescue, and often the best-placed people to respond to a distress situation are those nearby.”
This article originally appeared on The West Australian.
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