Sunday 26 January 2014
A group of five people were winched to safety after their aluminium vessel capsized en route from Great Keppel Island to Yeppoon in Queensland on Australia Day.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority's Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC Australia) coordinated the search and rescue after those on board activated a distress beacon about 12.30pm (AEDT) on Sunday.
The JRCC tasked the RACQ Capricorn rescue helicopter from Rockhampton, which located the group, winching them to safety about 3pm (AEDT).
Yeppoon Water Police and the Yeppoon coastguard were also tasked to assist in the search and rescue operation.
The rescue highlights the importance of carrying a distress beacon, registered with AMSA. Beacons should be registered and updated regularly.
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