Rottnest Island marine rescue

May 06, 2022

Inspector Steve Scott from the Emergency Management and Specialist Support Division spoke to media this morning about a rescue that occurred off Rottnest Island overnight.

Just before 8.30pm last night (21/04), a yacht struck a reef at Transit Rocks, Rottnest Island. A man and his son were on-board and advised by Water Police to activate their EPIRB which notified JRCC, as the vessel was taking on water. About 9.15pm two Water Police vessels, alongside Fremantle Sea Rescue, were on the scene but unable to approach the stricken vessel due to the hazardous conditions and air support was unavailable.

A short time later, the wind direction changed which altered the position of the yacht allowing Water Police officers to get close enough to rescue the two people. About 9.35pm, the man and his son were safely on-board a Water Police vessel.

Both had received minor injuries and were conveyed by Water Police to Sardine Jetty. St John Ambulance officers met them and conveyed them to hospital. The Department of Transport (Marine Section) and Rottnest Island Authority will liaise with the skipper to retrieve the yacht.