Northern Territory Police successfully rescued a commercial fisherman today after he triggered his emergency beacon (EPIRB).
Around 7:30 this morning, police were notified of a beacon activation in Tapa Bay, and deployed the PV Fourcroy.
A helicopter operating in the area was able to confirm the vessel’s location.
Acting Sergeant Christopher Raeburn said, “A local commercial fisherman had spent 24 hours in the elements after his vessel suffered electrical and mechanical failure.
“With supplies running low, the fisherman activated his EPIRB. That signal was picked up by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, who subsequently notified the Water Police Section.”
Police located and liaised with the solo fisherman on his 4.5m vessel, provided care and attempted to assist in mechanical repair but ultimately opted to tow the vessel back to Darwin where the fisherman was reunited with family around 10:30 this morning.
“Water Police Search and Rescue Coordinators with the assistance of AMSA, Port Darwin, CHC Helicopters and Bristow Helicopters coordinated the safe recovery of the fisherman and his vessel from a situation that could have turned for the worse without such a quick response,” A/Sergeant Raeburn said.
“This is another example of how important it is to have the right safety gear on board, and how the many service providers and private businesses work together to help a vessel in distress.”
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