Three adults and two teenagers have been rescued after their vessel broke down near Turtle Island.
The vessel left Pioneer Beach on Tuesday afternoon and was reported missing late that night. Northern Territory Police deployed three water police vessels and one aircraft, with further assistance from Australian Defence Force and three private helicopters throughout the day.
At about 1am today, the ADF aircraft located the stranded vessel near Turtle Island in Bynoe Harbour, with Police recovering the party a short time later.
All five were suffering dehydration and exposure and were treated at Crab Claw Island by St John Ambulance and NT Health staff.
Acting Sergeant Christopher Raeburn said, “This positive outcome was the result of a number of different public and private agencies working together and sharing resources under the coordination of NT Police search and rescue. This situation could have very easily had a vastly different outcome.
“36 hours on the water is quite an ordeal, but all five are in good spirits.
“Even when heading out on Territory waters for a short trip, you should always be prepared by ensuring you have adequate supplies, clothing, equipment and a registered, working EPIRB.”
For information on boating safely in the Territory visit https://nt.gov.au/marine/marine-safety
