VIEW News

During the night a 406MHz emergency beacon was detected by the Australian Search and Rescue Agency (AUSSAR) approximately 10 nautical miles east of Moreton Island.

AUSSAR immediately contacted the AGL Action Rescue Helicopter on the Sunshine Coast and the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) and dispatched them to the search area.

The weather conditions in the region made the search extremely difficult with no moon in the sky making the night very dark, combined with driving rain resulting in poor visibility. AGL Action Rescue Pilot, Aaron Regan fully assessed the conditions prior to flight before making the decision to accept the mission. "The conditions were definitely challenging" said rescue crewman Rick Harvey, "on our way to the search area, visibility was basically zero, we couldn't see the horizon or the water, and it was only due to the skill and experience of our pilot that we could even get to the area and descend low enough to break through the heavy cloud."

Whilst Mr Regan was completing controlled orbits around the beacon signal, Mr Harvey kept in contact with both the VMR and a bulk carrier that was in the area and had been seconded to assist in the search and possible rescue. Amongst the swell and rain, Flight Paramedic Mick Kerr noticed a faint light approximately 500 metres below the aircraft. The rescue helicopter descended to 180 metres and used a night sun, a 2 million candle power search light, to locate the floundering 26 foot yacht with a distressed man on deck waving his arms frantically.

"The front jib of the yacht was flapping uncontrollably in the wind" said Mr Harvey, "and the bow was low in the water indicating the vessel was taking on water".

The Rescue Helicopter deployed a flare and directed the VMR vessel to the location of the sinking yacht. The VMR carefully approached the yacht and managed to successfully transfer the man onto the VMR vessel.

"The conditions made this a difficult search and it was the cooperation of a number of highly skilled emergency services working together which probably saved the mans life" said Mr Regan. " The boat had lost all electrics, had a crack in the hull and was taking on water fast. This is a great example of how the response system works in an emergency situation."

The AGL Action Rescue Helicopter saves lives in our community. To find out more about this vital service and how you can help to keep them flying go to www.actionrescue.com.au.

For more information call Penny Crebbin on 07 5458 8700.