Members of the Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Section are reminding the public to upgrade to a 406 MHz beacon before 1 February, after rescuing a 50-year-old man in his dinghy last night.

The man came into trouble after the 4.5 metre dinghy broke a propeller shaft off the western side of Elizabeth Reef 70 kilometres North East of Darwin.

He activated his 121.5 MHz beacon, shortly after 3:30 pm yesterday and four police officers travelled by boat to his location and retrieved him at about 9.30 pm.

Officer in Charge of the Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Section, Senior Sergeant Roger Jeffrey said that if this incident had occurred in three days time, it could have been much worse.

"The 121.5 MHz beacon will no longer be monitored by satellite after 1 February which is why everybody who hasn't switched to the 406 MHz needs to - urgently.

"If this incident had occurred after the 1st, we wouldn't have known to start searching until he was reported overdue, losing valuable time.

"If nobody knew where he went and weather conditions deteriorated it could have placed him and his rescuers in a very dangerous situation."

"Luckily this man was well prepared, had the correct safety gear on board his vessel and activated his beacon just in time for the 1 February changeover.

"I strongly encourage every boat owner to ensure they have the 406 MHz beacon on board and remind boat owners it is an offence to go beyond two nautical miles of the coast without an appropriate beacon on board the vessel. Don't put yourself or others at risk," he said.


Media contact:
Sarah Combe
8901 0280