Coast Guard needed to rescue boats out for non-essential voyages

Coast Guard rescued nine boats out for non-essential reasons over the Easter break while the Queensland Police intercepted more than 500 in the North Stradbroke exclusion zone.

QUEENSLAND Coast Guard volunteers were forced to rescue nine boats out for non-essential reasons despite warnings from the authorities before the Easter long weekend.

Maritime Safety Queensland along with Queensland Police and the Coast Guard warned boaties to stick to social distancing restrictions and not to go out unless necessary after more than $10,000 in fines were handed out last week.

OUTSIDERS GO TO EXTREME LENGTHS TO GET INTO STRADDIE

POLICE SWARM PORT OF BRISBANE FERRY TERMINAL

FISHING EXPERT: WHY I’VE HNG MY ROD UP FOR NOW

Harvey Shore from the Brisbane Coast Guard Manly Flotilla said they were required to help nine vessels on non-essential voyages over Easter while Queensland Police also intercepted more than 500 boats in or near the exclusion zone at North Stradbroke Island.

“Most of these calls for help came from boats caught by the South Easterly Winds that blew in on Saturday,” Mr Shore said.

“These winds caused particular trouble for clusters of recreational boats anchored in Horseshoe Bay at Peel Island.

Mark Whitby, Flotilla training officer at the Brisbane Coast Guard. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

“Most people took the government’s advice to recreational boats seriously. But the good weather proved irresistible to some people, who ignored government advice, and went to sea on non-essential voyages claiming they were self isolating on their boats, or fishing to feed their family.

“Some of these pleasure trips came undone when the boats struck trouble and needed to call for help.”

Mr Shore also noted boats were spotted sitting inside the 100m exclusion zone around Moreton and North Stradbroke Island and said there were no excuses considering the new laws were “clearly advertised” in the latest notices to mariners published by MSQ.

A QPS spokesman said 31 vehicles and 70 people were turned away from travelling to North Stradbroke Island since starting operations at Toondah Harbour on March 26.

“A marine exclusion zone was placed around the island to support the operation. Water Police and partner agencies have intercepted 504 vessels in or near the exclusion zone,” the spokesman said.

“This was a proactive measure to engage with the boating community and to provide them with information and advice about the travel restrictions to the island.

“Whilst a small number of infringement notices were issued, most people intercepted or spoken to complied with the restrictions.”

Brisbane Coast Guard volunteers tow a breakdown into Manly.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams, who last week wrote to Transport Minister Mark Bailey asking him to close a loophole being exploited by some 300 people to dodge a travel ban to North Stradbroke Island, said the message to stay away was cutting through to most people.

“It’s a really big thumbs up to locals and those who travel from outside the community,” she said.

“It sounds like the message has gotten through.”

She said while the decision to close off the tourist mecca was not going to impress everyone, it was a vital move to protect the sizable indigenous and aging populations on the island who were most at risk of COVID-19.

“A lot of people were actually really supportive of the move,” she said.

Mr Shore also thanked majority of boaties sticking to the advice given by the State Government.

“Overall, Coast Guard thanks the vast majority of boaties who heeded government advice, and stayed home on the Easter weekend,” he said.

“They helped restrict the spread of this coronavirus pandemic.

“They also helped protect Coast Guard volunteers who are risking their own lives and the welfare of their families during this dangerous time by remaining on duty so they can respond quickly to calls for help from vessels undertaking genuine essential voyages.”