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Four men plucked from water at Point Lonsdale after boat capsized

Four men, aged between 20 and 40, have been rescued after their fishing boat capsized off Point Lonsdale on Friday.

Four men were thrown into the water when their boat capsized off Point Lonsdale on Friday. Photo: The Rip/Facebook.
Four men were thrown into the water when their boat capsized off Point Lonsdale on Friday. Photo: The Rip/Facebook.

Four men were thrown into the water when their fishing boat capsized off Point Lonsdale on Friday just after 12:30pm.

The incident, witnessed by staff at the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, prompted an immediate response from emergency services.

Police Air Wing and Water Police attended and assisted locating the men alongside the Air Ambulance and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.

Search and rescue teams located one man clinging to the capsized boat, while another was spotted 500 metres away by Air Ambulance crews and flown to safety.

The remaining two were rescued by boat and brought to shore.

The group of men, aged between 20 and 40 years old, found themselves in trouble when their boat overturned in choppy waters.

Ambulance Victoria confirmed three out of four of the men were wearing life jackets.

Photos posted to Facebook page The Rip appeared to show a small vessel on the water’s surface and helicopters overhead.

Ambulance Victoria’s Senior Team Manager for Greater Geelong, Elli Dean, reminded the community of the dangers waterways can present.

“These men are incredibly fortunate to have been rescued safely,” Ms Dean said.

“We see a wide range of water-related incidents throughout the year, often caused by boating mishaps, water sports, fast-moving currents, or hidden hazards like rocks or debris.

“Taking preventative steps can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.”

All four were treated for minor injuries, including mild hypothermia and ingesting seawater, and were transported to Geelong University Hospital in a stable condition.

The incident comes after an elderly man drowned in a boating accident in Queenscliff earlier this month, just days after a man was swept away in the ocean near Lorne.

“With warmer weather upon us, we urge everyone to prioritise safety when enjoying Victoria’s waterways,” Ms Dean said.

“Whether you’re planning to enter the water or not, always remain vigilant and prepared for unexpected situations.”

Originally published as Four men plucked from water at Point Lonsdale after boat capsized

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/four-men-plucked-from-water-at-point-lonsdale-after-boat-capsized/news-story/ad744e8e777e5ca899f1acdd998afe44