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Trio rescued after boat engine failure leaves them stranded on Adelaide River

THREE people have been rescued from a river in the Top End after the engine of their boat failed, leaving them stranded in mangroves, until their emergency beacon was picked up by interstate authorities.

Three people have been rescued from the Adelaide River after the engine of their boat failed, leaving them stranded in mangroves, until their emergency beacon was picked up by interstate authorities. Picture: Will Zwar
Three people have been rescued from the Adelaide River after the engine of their boat failed, leaving them stranded in mangroves, until their emergency beacon was picked up by interstate authorities. Picture: Will Zwar

THREE people have been rescued from the Adelaide River after the engine of their boat failed, leaving them stranded in mangroves, until their emergency beacon was picked up by interstate authorities.

Just before 3pm yesterday, NT Police were contacted by the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra with details of an Emergency Beacon (EPIRB) activation near the Adelaide River mouth to the east of Darwin.

The beacon was unregistered and no other information was available.

Water Police launched a vessel from the Saltwater Arm Boat Ramp while a rescue helicopter was tasked with responding from RAAF Base Tindal.

The helicopter crew reported three people – a teenager, 25-year-old man and 50-year-old man – on board a small boat tied to the edge of the mangroves, indicating their engine had failed.

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Water Police were on the scene a short time later and towed the vessel back to the Saltwater Arm Boat Ramp.

NT Police Sergeant Andrew Hocking said boaties needed to ensure they had all emergency equipment with them when embarking on a journey.

“Even though this rescue was dealt with quickly and all persons were recovered safely, it is an important reminder to register your emergency beacon,” he said.

“The registration process provides rescue authorities with crucial information like the details of the owner, details of the vessel, and other emergency contacts.

“With that information at hand we can work out exactly who and what we are looking for early in the emergency, and respond accordingly.”

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The rescue coincides with National Boating Safety Week and boat users are reminded to make sure everything is in order before heading out on the water.

will.zwar@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/trio-rescued-after-boat-engine-failure-leaves-them-stranded-on-adelaide-river/news-story/afaa1062a8bf10146f87dc9c6ab6932e