Three stranded mariners adrift in the Torres Straight have been rescued thanks to the crew of a Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
Following a request from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Orion aircraft detected three occupants in a five meter fishing boat in the Torres Straight at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. The boat was displaying an orange “V” distress signal.
The Queensland Police were directed to the vessel's location, approximately 35 nautical miles North West of Moa Island.
Squadron Leader Duncan Flemington, Air Surveillance Operations Officer at the Headquarters Northern Command in Darwin said the rescue demonstrates the AP-3C Orion's versatility in search and rescue missions.
“The aircraft and crew were able to shift their focus from a routine maritime surveillance sortie to a coordinated search and rescue mission involving multiple ships and aircraft from different agencies,” he said.
“The Queensland Police were able to rescue the crew and recover the vessel within a very short time after it was discovered by the Orion.”
“It’s something we train for but no doubt the crew will be very satisfied to see the rescue was brought to a swift and successful conclusion and three fishermen are home with their families tonight.”