21 plucked from water as boat hits reef, capsizes in wild weather off Rockhampton
- From: The Courier-Mail
- August 11, 2010
RESCUERS have saved 21 people after their boat capsized in wild seas off central Queensland.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority said a "major weather event" impacted the fishing vessel Bell Cay about 4.30am near Swains Reef, about 250km off the central Queensland coast.
"The vessel appears to have run aground on a reef and capsized," an AMSA spokeswoman said.
Seventeen passengers and four crew were forced into life rafts when their boat overturned at Swain's Reef.North-easterly winds of 52 knots were blowing across the reef at the time.
"The vessel appears to have run aground on a reef and capsized," an AMSA spokeswoman said.
"Three nearby fishing vessels responded to the mayday call and reported all 21 passengers were in a life raft."
The large reef, known for its fishing, is about 140 nautical miles (25)km) off the central Queensland coast .
"What we heard was there were 21 people in life rafts," an RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Service spokeswoman said. "They're okay. We've been told it's cuts and bruises."
Bell Cay chief engineer Geoff Taylor said: "Everyone's alright and they're coming back later."
They are not expected back on dry land until 9pm.
A Water Police boat is expected to pick them up at 3pm from the rescue vessel.
Two rescue helicopters sent to the area have been turned around.
The company were unable to advise where the passengers were from or how long the fishing expedition had been going when disaster struck.
Have your say
Add your comment on this story