Search and rescue helicopter called for search of two teens clinging to an upturned vessel

Police are investigating another boating incident involving juveniles as officers remind boaties not to take risks this summer

POLICE are investigating another boating incident involving juveniles as officers remind boaties not to take risks this summer.

A search and rescue helicopter and marine rescue were deployed this week after two 16-year-olds called triple-0 to report they were clinging to their upturned vessel.

Water Police officer-in-charge Sergeant Matthew Pegg said water police were investigating the incident.

Water Police officer-in-charge Sergeant Matthew Pegg . Picture: Shae Beplate.

Sgt Pegg said during the course of the search one of the youths became unaccounted for when they attempted to swim to shore but was later found by residents.

The second youth was pulled from the upturned vessel.

MORE NEWS>>>

• Ray Peet says family lucky to survive after boat overturned off Townsville

• Four people rescued off Townsville coast after their boat overturned

• Young fisher survives terrifying encounter with massive bull shark

Sgt Pegg confirmed the skipper of the open boat was licensed to operate it and had the required safety equipment on board.

“It’s definitely a timely reminder for people not to take unnecessary risks and not to take smaller boats offshore when they probably shouldn’t be offshore in choppy or adverse conditions,” Sgt Pegg said.

He said boaties needed to be mindful of the forecast, check all safety equipment and pay attention to the environ­ment around them.

“We are at that time of year where what the forecast says can change quickly,” he said.

“We want people to be safe on the water and we don’t want tragedies.”

Originally published as Search and rescue helicopter called for search of two teens clinging to an upturned vessel