Rescuers have battled “treacherous” weather to save two men after their boat ran out of fuel near Cape Hauy in Tasmania’s far south-east overnight.
The men in their 40s made a distress call at around 7:45pm on Saturday as forecast severe weather hit the area.
Police and crews from Parks and Wildlife were sent to the area, but efforts to reach the stranded boat were initially thwarted by “large swells, driving rain and strong gusty easterly winds”.
With concerns growing that the vessel could be smashed against the rugged shoreline, the occupants were instructed to activate their EPIRB.
An AMSA rescue jet was sent to the area to maintain communications and provide support until police vessel Dauntless was able to reach the boat at 3:15am.
The two men were pulled from the boat and taken to Port Arthur for medical assessment by waiting paramedics.
Inspector Stephen Watson said the boat could not be recovered.
He praised the men for carrying essential safety equipment, including the EPIRB, but said they could have been more prepared.
“This rescue highlights the importance of checking the weather forecast, not to venture out if adverse conditions are expected and to ensure more than adequate fuel is allowed for,” he said.
“Boaters must always prioritise safety to prevent putting themselves and their rescuers in danger.”
