NT Police were called to the Adelaide River after a vessel became stranded about 4 kilometres upstream from the mouth.

At about 4.00 pm on Saturday the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in Canberra received an emergency beacon activation signal and directed both fixed wing aircraft and the 'Careflight' helicopter to search the area.

A stationary vessel was located after the skipper let of a red distress flare when he sighted the search aircraft.

A Water Police Search and Rescue team launched their vessel at the Saltwater Arm boat ramp and located the stranded party a short time later.

The occupants of the vessel, a 40?year-old male and his two sons, aged 13 and 15?years?old, were found safe and well and were towed backed to the boat ramp.

It appears the vessel had suffered mechanical engine failure.

The Officer in Charge of the Northern Territory, Water Police Section, Senior Sergeant Stephen Martin said this was a well coordinated operation.



"Our procedures worked seamlessly with the Rescue Coordination Centre Canberra, 'Careflight' and the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre here in Darwin, and we were able to recover the party in a matter of hours".



"However, the beacon on this vessel was not registered, so it was not until police were with the party that we were able to determine their identities and then notify their next of kin that all were safe and well" he said.



NT Police strongly recommend that fishermen and boat operators register their emergency beacons online with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) at:



http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/register_now.html



"Registered beacons save vital time for Police and Emergency Services if they are activated; they ultimately help us save lives" Senior Sergeant Martin said.



Media Contact:

Rickie Scoot

8922 3185