Two fishermen in trouble on the water in Australia have been rescued by a team on a different search mission after firing “invaluable” flares.
The fishermen sent up a flare after their four-metre boat sank due to a large wave near Point Peron, Western Australia.
The men grabbed flares and lifejackets in the 30 seconds it took for the boat to sink, but did not have time to activate their EPIRB.
Water police searching for a missing kayaker saw the flare and rescued the two men.
A WA Police Force spokesperson said the skipper had all the right emergency equipment on board.
“Fortunately, the vessel was also equipped with flares, which on this occasion proved to be invaluable.
“This incident also highlights why it is important to wear life jackets at all times. It is only by luck that the two men were able to grab their life jackets before they too sank with the vessel.
“Marine emergencies tend to happen without warning, and there may only be seconds to access emergency equipment and make critical decisions.”
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