Stranded boaties rescued after running out of fuel

November 6, 2023

Stuck boaties stranded off the west coast of Tasmania have been successfully rescued after they reportedly ran out of fuel.

Emergency services were alerted to the distressed vessel through an EPIRB activation early on Monday afternoon.

A rescue helicopter from Hobart and a search and rescue aircraft from Melbourne were dispatched to monitor the vessel, while a nearby local boat came to their aid and towed the stranded vessel to Point Hibbs.

Police confirmed that four people were found on board the 6m recreational vessel, which was located approximately 1.5km offshore, south of Macquarie Harbour.

“The occupants of this vessel were in possession of a working EPIRB which enabled search crews to immediately and accurately ascertain their location,” a spokesperson said.

“Having this potentially lifesaving device onboard greatly reduces both the search area and time for police and other resources to be deployed.”

“No one was injured.”