Darwin fisherman Rodney Bakes rescued a teacher and two male students after East Point kayak fail

A Top End fisherman has shared how he rescued an unlucky trio floating out in Darwin waters after an afternoon kayak trip went disastrously wrong. Read his story.

One of kayaks, which Mr Bakes said the students and teachers had abandoned after they were filling up with water.

A Woodroffe fisherman has recounted his story of rescuing a trio floating out in the water, joking that if he hadn’t picked them up they would’ve “floated out to Papua New Guinea.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Rodney Bakes was 3kms out of Mindil Beach fishing on his boat when he came across some upturned kayaks floating in the water.

It was around 1pm, and at first, he said he wasn’t sure what to do.

He said he was in two minds, as he wasn’t sure if anyone was missing.

But then he saw two Darwin High School students and a teacher being pushed out to sea in a “10-knot current,” he said.

The 55-year-old underground miner sprung in action, pulling the trio onto his boat before ferrying them back to shore.

The Darwin Senior High teachers and students who Mr Bakes said he pulled out of the water.

He said he was the only boat out there at the time and was actually on his way back in as conditions were getting too “choppy and breezy.”

Mr Bakes also dragged some of the kayaks back as well, which he said the teacher and students had to abandon as they were filling up with water.

Mr Bakes said the journey back to shore took about half an hour, and when he arrived, the principal of the school thanked him.

“There has been crocs seen in the area … if there was a croc in that area it would’ve grabbed one of them at least,” Mr Bakes said.

Darwin High School principal Jill Hazeldine thanked Mr Bakes for his assistance.

“The teacher in charge is a highly experienced outdoor education teacher and was able to manage the situation effectively,” she said.

“No excursions are without risk, which is why we have robust policies and procedures and plan for all eventualities. Our teachers followed processes and I’m pleased to confirm everyone was kept safe.”

Mr Bakes said the event proved a timely reminder to always keep close watch on the sea conditions as they can change so quickly.

“Just be aware of the sea conditions – have a good look at the weather report,” he said.

Originally published as Darwin fisherman Rodney Bakes rescued a teacher and two male students after East Point kayak fail