Adults, children missing at sea in small boat found

A PARTY of two adults and five children missing at sea has been found.

Image: NT POLICE

A PARTY of two adults and five children missing at sea has been found.

The group was travelling from the remote Gawa Community on Elcho Island in a 4.2m tinny after visiting relatives in the Mata Mata Community on the Arnhem Land coast, yesterday.

They were reported missing this morning day after they failed to arrive back in Gawa when expected.

A search and rescue operation was launched, with a Cessna aircraft from Marthakal Association at Galiwinku searching likely routes, with other planes and sea craft joining in.

The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in Canberra provided co-ordination of air assets and contributed a Dornier Search and Rescue Aircraft from Darwin and a helicopter from Gove to the rescue.

The Cessna aircraft advised it had located all seven people on a beach on the north west of Inglis Island to the north of Mata Mata community with the missing vessel around 12.30pm today.

RCC deployed the helicopter from Gove to transport the group back to Mata Mata Community. Police said the vessel will be recovered by the owners.

Superintendent Jo Foley said NT Police were "grateful for the assistance provided by the RCC in Canberra and members of the Galiwinku Community who became involved in this operation".

"N.T. Emergency Services personnel responded, but were not required due to the early resolution," Supt Foley said.

Search Coordinator Sergeant Chris Killian said: "thankfully the outcome today was the safe rescue of all persons. "It's important to prepare for any sea voyage and ensure you are ready to deal with possible problems.

"Always let someone know your exact travel plans and carry an Emergency Beacon (EPIRB) and all required safety gear".