Sixteen people including two 2-month-old babies and six other children spent the night sleeping on a sandbar after their boat ran aground approximately two kilometres from the Milingimbi barge landing. The 5-metre aluminium tinny departed the mainland at Gumurguru at approximately 1700hrs on Monday 6th September, and failed to make it to Milingimbi. Concerned relatives raised the alarm at approximately 11.30 pm and Ramingining Police made their way to the Ramingining barge landing some 35kms north of the community. Low tide prevented an immediate response. The police vessel was subsequently launched at approximately 3.30 am. The search was abandoned shortly after due to lighting problems. Police re-commenced the search at 5.00 am collecting the complainant from Milingimbi to assist with the search. Over the next three hours police searched mangroves and creeks in and around the island of Milingimbi, eventually locating the missing party at approximately 8.30 am yesterday morning. The women and children were transferred to the police vessel and conveyed to Milingimbi. The stranded tinny by this point was free of the sandbar and proceeded to Milingimbi under it's own power. "Although the tinny was well equipped with blankets and water, the vessel was clearly overloaded and there were insufficient lifejackets and other safety equipment on board to accommodate all occupants," said Officer In Charge of Ramingining Police Station, Sergeant Jack Harrington. "It is imperative that boat users remain vigilant and follow basic safety principles when out in the water. Clearly a 5-metre tinny is not designed to transport sixteen people. "Police were tied up for hours searching for this party, and the relatives of the missing people were somewhat distressed," he said. Yet again, police urge all boat users to remain vigilant and adhere to marine safety practices, highlighting the need to carry sufficient safety equipment and avoid overcrowding in vessels. Media Contact Sarah Gotch 89010280