Three men have been rescued after 24 hours stranded in harrowing conditions off Innisfail

Three men in their fifties have been rescued after 24 hours stranded in harrowing conditions off the coast of Innisfail.

Three men in their fifties have been rescued after 24 hours stranded in harrowing conditions off Innisfail.

A trio of fishermen are lucky to be alive after they were discovered clinging to their submerged boat, 24 hours after capsizing while almost 50km out to sea.

Chemical burns, exhaustion, and dehydration were just some of the severe conditions endured by the three men who spent a full day clinging to their submerged 6.5-metre vessel, hoping for rescue in waters northeast of Innisfail.

The group of men, all in their fifties, were located at McCulloch Reef at 5.45pm on Sunday, November 10, after an intense search.

Cairns Water Police Sergeant Andrew Ibell said the incident was a timely reminder to boaties, to ensure they have the necessary safety equipment in the event of an emergency.

“It’s not only important to have life jackets, EPIRBS, and other safety equipment on board, but be able to access it easily and know how to use it,” Sergeant Ibell said.

Cairns Water Police Officer in Charge Sergeant Andrew Ibell. Picture: Stewart McLean

The man had set out on their trip on Friday, November 8, lodging their planned route with the Volunteer Coast Guard and notifying them of an expected return time of 11am the following Sunday.

When the men failed to return as scheduled, a search mission was launched.

“As this group did, always lodge your trip sheet with Coast Guard and provide specific details about where you are going, your vessel, and when you plan to return, so we are able to search for you if required,” Sergeant Ibell said.

Water police, along with the Volunteer Coast Guard and a private vessel, co-ordinated the search effort, which also involved a fixed-wing aircraft.

It’s believed that the men were unable to access lifesaving equipment, including an EPIRB, which could have alerted authorities to their location.

Investigations are still ongoing. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Upon rescue, the men were transported to Deeral boat ramp and then to the hospital for treatment.

They were treated for fatigue, dehydration, cuts and abrasions, as well as chemical burns from exposure to petrol.

Sergeant Ibell thanked the Volunteer Coast Guard Cairns and the two members of the public who assisted in the rescue operation.

“We are grateful for the Volunteer Coast Guard Cairns members and the two members of the public who assisted in this search and rescue operation,” he said.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Originally published as Three men have been rescued after 24 hours stranded in harrowing conditions off Innisfail