Brothers rescued after boat overturned while fishing off Fraser Island

Two brothers have been rescued after their boat overturned while they were fishing off Fraser Island. The pair floated in the ocean for almost four hours, staying afloat by clinging to an esky cooler.

Bundaberg-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew has plucked two brothers from the ocean, after the boat they were on overturned, near the northern tip of K’gari (Fraser Island).

Two brothers have been rescued from the ocean after their boat overturned off Fraser Island.

The Bundaberg-based LifeFlight helicopter was called into action by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority after an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon was activated.

AMSA received the distress signal and immediately tasked the chopper about 1.45pm on Saturday.

The Bundaberg-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew has plucked two brothers from the ocean, after the boat they were on overturned, near the northern tip of K’gari (Fraser Island).

LifeFlight said the brothers, both aged in their 20s, had been out fishing when a “rogue wave” rolled their six-metre boat, throwing them into the ocean.

The men quickly activated their EPIRB and put their life jackets on, as they watched their boat sink.

Together, the pair floated in the ocean for almost four hours, staying afloat by clinging to an esky cooler.

The Bundaberg-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew has plucked two brothers from the ocean, after the boat they were on overturned, near the northern tip of K’gari (Fraser Island).

The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue pilot flew to the coordinates provided and soon located the men.

Hovering overhead, it was decided the safest course of action was to winch the rescue crewman down to the pair, then hoist them one at a time up into the safety of the helicopter.

It is understood both men suffered no injuries and were flown to Bundaberg Hospital for further observation.