Thirteen people, including three children, have been rescued by police after the tinny they were travelling in ran out of fuel approximately 2kms off the coast of Ramingining.

A 50-year-old Ramingining man and his 12 passengers were travelling from Milingimbi when they alerted police via mobile phone that they were stranded off shore at approximately 7.15pm on Tuesday night.

Ramingining police attended the barge landing and attempted to launch the Police Vessel Glyde River. However, low tide prevented an immediate response.

Police maintained contact with the stranded vessel via mobile telephone whilst waiting for the tide to rise. At 9.45pm the police vessel was launched and attended to the overdue boat.

The aluminium tinny was re-fuelled by police and water was given to the occupants. Police then escorted the tinny to the Ramingining barge landing, arriving safely at approximately 11.15pm.

In light of this incident police urge all boat users to remain vigilant and adhere to marine safety practices, highlighting the need to carry sufficient fuel and all safety equipment and to avoid overcrowding in vessels.

"Once again, I cannot stress enough the importance of carrying sufficient fuel, water and the right safety equipment to ensure safety on the water," Senior Sergeant Steve Martin of the NT Water Police said.



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Sarah Gotch
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