The Spirit of Tasmania ferry helped rescue seven people after their boat capsized in Corio Bay off Geelong last night.
Emergency services were called to the scene at about 8:20pm when the vessel overturned in waters off the Victorian coast.
A major police operation swung into action, with the marine unit, water police and Air Wing all deployed to help with the rescue effort.
The coast guard and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry also sent rescue boats to assist.
All seven people on board the capsized boat were brought to safety and received medical assessment at the scene.
The cause of the capsizing remains under investigation.
In a statement, TT-Line CEO Chris Carbone said Victoria Police contacted the Spirit IV Master around 8:30pm to advise that a vessel in the vicinity of the ship was sinking.
“The sinking craft was quickly spotted about 800 metres from the Spirit.”
“Our crew launched the rescue boat to find five adults and two children in the water. Given the number of people in the water who required assistance, the crew then launched a second boat to assist.”
He said after being pulled from the water, the rescued people were subsequently transferred to a Coast Guard vessel, taken to shore and then to the Geelong Hospital.
“All crew involved in the rescue did an outstanding job when called upon to save the lives of the seven people in difficulty. We are very pleased to reflect on a job well done by our team,” Carbone said.
