Strong winds batter Hervey Bay, Fraser Island

A distress call from boaties who took to the sea in a 4.2m tinny in wild winds left the members of a Qld rescue group scratching their heads, prompting a stern warning.

Winds have been blowing at 20-30 knots over the past few days, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a strong wind warning last Wednesday. A post from Volunteer Marine Rescue said a rescue callout was made for two people on a 4.2m tinny who had engine problems on Sunday.

As wild winds continue to buffet the Fraser Coast, boaties have been warned to think twice before going out to sea.

A post from Volunteer Marine Rescue said a rescue callout was made for two people on a 4.2m tinny who had engine problems on Sunday.

It said the winds had been blowing at 20-30 knots over the past few days, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a strong wind warning last Wednesday.

On Sunday, the group was contacted by police in relation to the tinny, which was adrift about 750m off Wathumba.

“The crew headed out in rough conditions at the request of police,” the post read.

“Thankfully, the persons on board the tinny managed to get the engine started and make their own way back to shore.

“We can only scratch our heads and ask ourselves ‘why would a 4.2m tinny be out in this weather?’

“Please, please … don’t risk your lives in bad weather. The sea is very unforgiving.”

A strong wind warning remains in place for much of the Queensland coast, including Peninsula Coast, Cooktown Coast, Cairns Coast, Townsville Coast, Mackay Coast, Capricornia Coast, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island Coast, Sunshine Coast Waters, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast Waters.