The Bundaberg-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew has plucked two brothers from the ocean, after the boat they were on overturned, near the northern tip of K’gari (Fraser Island).
The rescue chopper was called into action by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to a location off Sandy Cape, after an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was activated.
AMSA received the distress signal and immediately tasked the chopper around 1.45pm today (Sat 18th Feb).
It’s believed the brothers, both aged in their twenties, had been out fishing when a rogue wave rolled their six-metre boat, throwing them into the ocean.
The men quickly activated their EPIRB and put their life jackets on, as they watched their boat sink.
Together, the pair floated in the ocean for almost four hours, staying afloat by clinging to an esky cooler.
The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue pilot flew to the coordinates provided and soon located the men.
Hovering overhead, it was decided the safest course of action was to winch the Rescue Crewman down to the pair, then hoist them one at a time up into the safety of the helicopter.
It’s understood both men suffered no injuries and were airlifted to Bundaberg Hospital for further observation.
