HMAS Perth recovers fishing boat, returns to soldier, owner, WO2 Carl Stanley

Warrant Officer Class Two Carl Stanley watched his beloved fishing boat perish at sea. Three months later, a Navy frigate made a strange discovery, 1600 kilometres from where the ‘Plastic Fantastic’ capsized. Read for details.

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Carl Stanley has been reunited with his fishing boat, the Plastic Fantastic. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Carl Stanley had lost all hope when he watched his beloved fishing boat perish at sea more than three months ago.

Now, the Darwin soldier has been reunited with his darling vessel after a Navy frigate salvaged the boat 1600 kilometres from where it went under.

On April 26, 2024, WO2 Stanley took three of his good mates out on his Polycraft Frontier, nicknamed Plastic Fantastic, for a fishing trip about 120 kilometres off Dundee Beach.

After enjoying a long day out on the water, the group was returning back to shore when the boat experienced mechanical issues.

Unable to fix the problem or establish satellite communication, the crew was forced to launch a distress signal.

Fortunately, a commercial vessel responded to the beacon, bringing the crew aboard and towing the Plastic Fantastic in its wake.

The Plastic Fantastic endured a three month solo trip out in the Timor Sea. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

However, about 20 kilometres into the return journey, disaster struck.

“The tow line snapped and unfortunately in an attempt to attach the second tow line, the vessel took on water and capsized,” WO2 Stanley said.

“I thought it was sunk, never to be seen again.”
Fate had other plans, however, when three months later HMAS Perth, operating 800 kilometres off Darwin, was alerted to an abandoned vessel caught on a reef.

The barnacle-covered boat was recovered 1600 kilometres from where it was last seen. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Deeming it an environmental risk, the sailors subsequently recovered the barnacle-coated vessel and, unsure if their superiors would order its destruction or not, argued over salvaging rights.

Meanwhile, details of the boat were passed onto authorities in Canberra.

The next day, WO2 Stanley, who had already come to terms with the loss of his boat, received a shock phone call.

“They said (the Plastic Fantastic) had been located west of Darwin, been upright and secured at a location and was likely to be brought back to Darwin,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe it.”

WO2 Stanley made contact with Lieutenant Commander Gemma Casserly after hearing his beloved boat had been recovered by her frigate. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Through the ADF emailing system, WO2 Stanley contacted the ship’s executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Gemma Casserly, and asked if could “please” have his boat back.

Lieutenant Commander Casserly said some of the sailors had been banking on the principle of “finders keepers”.

“The sailors who had their eyes on the boat weren’t as happy as I was,” she said.

“They were hoping to keep (the Plastic Fantastic).”

WO2 Stanley was grateful to have his invoice struck. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

When WO2 Stanley linked up with the crew to have his boat handed over, he was gifted an HMAS Perth cap, challenge coin and a mock invoice for the service provided.

“I think he was a bit shocked with the amount,” Lieutenant Commander Casserly said.

“He asked for a discount to a couple of cartons which we agreed to.”

Overjoyed to have the Plastic Fantastic back, WO2 Stanley said he had a new favourite Navy ship.

“Definitely HMAS Perth and I’ll proudly wear the baseball cap I was presented with as well.”

Originally published as HMAS Perth recovers fishing boat, returns to soldier, owner, WO2 Carl Stanley