Disaster dive trip washes pair onto deserted island

A snorkelling trip quickly deteriorated for two Sunshine Coast women who had to be rescued off an island when their jetski crashed.

Coast Guard Mooloolaba helped rescue two women off Old Woman Island when their jet ski crashed into rocks.

A SNORKELLING trip quickly deteriorated for two Sunshine Coast women who had to be rescued off an island when their jetski crashed.

The Caloundra women were stranded on Old Woman Island for almost an hour before a team of Coast Guard volunteers, off-duty lifesavers and quick-thinking surfers jumped into action.

Coast Guard Mooloolaba received a call from the women about 11am on Sunday after their jetski had drifted while snorkelling and crashed into rocks.

The pair frantically swam to the island and scaled the rocks on the ocean-side, suffering cuts to their hands and feet as they climbed.

Coast Guard Mooloolaba helped rescue two women off Old Woman Island when their jet ski crashed into rocks.

Deputy commander Rod Ashlin said the "misadventure" could have turned worse.

"The seaward side is the worse side to be on the island … it's pretty rugged and there's no way to get on or off the island safely," he said.

The Coast Guard boat could not move close enough to the island to rescue the women and relied on two "hero" onlookers to help.

While enjoying the ocean, Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving member, Tiarrn Raymond and Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving member, Bill Bain paddled out to the women and brought them back to the boat.

They also swam into shore to get the jetski started and off the rocks.

Coast Guard Mooloolaba helped rescue two women off Old Woman Island when their jet ski crashed into rocks.

Coast Guard brought the women back to the mainland and they were treated at hospital for some cuts to their legs.

Mr Ashlin feared there would be more rescue calls to Old Woman Island during the holidays as people tested out their new toys.

"Statistics would tell us that jet skis being purchased more and people that buy skis tend not to be boaties," he said.

"The car park is getting choc-a-block so rescues will be more likely."

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