Two people have been pulled from the ocean after their boat capsized and began to sink off Tasmania’s north-west coast.
The pair, a 42-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman, were thrown into the water around 12:30pm on Sunday when their boat tipped while they were fishing near The Carbuncle, just out of Port Sorell.
Tasmania Police Senior Sergeant James Scicluna said the pair were two kilometres from shore and unable to swim due to the strong tide as the harbour emptied.
“They were in the water for approximately 90 minutes before two kayakers heard their cries for help and were able to alert authorities at 2pm,” he said.
“The pair were incredibly fortunate that they were wearing life vests and another couple were kayaking in the area and able to provide assistance.”
One of the kayakers stayed with the pair while the other paddled back to shore to alert authorities, who immediately dispatched the rescue helicopter, surf lifesavers and other bystanders eager to help.
The pair safely returned to shore around two hours after the ordeal began and were treated by paramedics.
“This incident could have ended very differently and I have only gratitude for all members of the public who assisted in the rescue,” Scicluna said.
“This includes the kayakers, civilian and maritime vessels who immediately headed to the area and the volunteers from both the Port Sorell Surf Life Saving Club and the Ulverstone Maritime Rescue.”
“It is a very Aussie thing to help out strangers and, in this case, the willingness of people to volunteer their time and resources resulted in a very successful rescue to which we can only say thank you.”
Scicluna said the pair were carrying all required safety equipment for boating in sheltered waters, only recommended those venturing our carry an EPIRB which “would have raised the alarm much sooner”.
