Two men have been rescued from the water after their vessel sunk approximately two kilometres from the Shoal Bay boat ramp.

The men had been on a fishing trip in choppy water when their vessel began to take on water around 5:00pm yesterday afternoon. They were able to set off a flare and make contact with emergency services.

Water Police, Surf Life Saving NT (SLSNT), and Careflight responded to the search and rescue. Two Northern Territory Emergency Services (NTES) vessels which were out on the water training also responded.

The two men ended up in the water after their vessel sunk however were able to stay afloat with life jackets. They eventually made their way to shore at the mangroves east of Buffalo Creek and updated emergency services with their location.

The Careflight helicopter arrived prior to the other vessels converging on the area and coordinated with the surface assets. The two men were taken on board the police vessel and returned to land uninjured.

Sergeant John Pini said it was an excellent response from SLSNT and the NTES crews.  

“If the men had still been in the water, the extra vessels would have been vital to providing adequate coverage of the search area quickly.”

“Having flares, life jackets and a means of communications dramatically improved the chances of this rescue being successful and not a tragedy.”

“Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers from SLSNT and NTES who along with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard all play a vital role in our rescue system. Thank you to Careflight for their response.  An ‘eye in the sky’ and possible winch capability enhances distress response enormously.”