Vessel sunk off Scawfell Island with six stranded and awaiting rescue
Volunteer Marine Rescue is heading out to an island near Mackay where six people have been stranded on the rocks after sinking their boat. Read when they will be rescued.
Mackay
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A vessel with six people on board has sunk off the coast of Queensland.
A RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene on the southwestern end of Scawfell Island.
A spokesperson said no none was hurt in the incident and all six had made it to shore.
A Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay spokesperson said all passengers had made it onto the rocks as the boat sank.
“We got a mayday this afternoon”, the spokesperson said.
“A vessel sunk off Scawfell (with) six people on board (and) they managed to make it to shore.
“They’re all okay, there’s no injuries.
“Our vessel is in transit now to pick them up off the island”
A 45-foot twin diesel VMR vessel has been dispatched with a crew of four to rescue the stranded mariners.
It is about 90 minutes for the journey and the spokesperson estimated it would arrive around 5.30pm depending on weather conditions.
“I’ve got no idea what happened, our main concern is getting those people back to their loved ones.”
“When they come back, they will be interviewed by the water police and probably maritime safety board.”
This is a routine following incidents with sunken vessels.
Scawfell Island is part of the Cumberlands Islands group near Mackay.
It is located about 60km northeast of the city.
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