After a large search and rescue effort today, Police located two people off the Territory coast around midday.

It appears as though a male and female, both aged 41, activated their emergency beacon at around 9:45 am after their motor broke free of the vessel’s transom approximately 13 nautical miles (23 km’s) north east of Nhulunbuy.

Senior Sergeant Brendan Muldoon said it was reported that their 5-year-old 20 foot fibreglass vessel immediately started taking on water.

“Water Police and local members from Nhulunbuy, as well as Australian Customs and Border Protection Service personnel, utilised a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter during the search. Two other nearby vessels also assisted in the search,” said Senior Sergeant Muldoon.

“The stranded couple were located at around 12:30 pm floating in the water and were ultimately rescued by Australian Customs Vessel CRV McArthur River.

“Both were seen to by St John Ambulance members and were suffering sun burn however refused any further treatment.

“This again shows just how effective the correct emergency equipment can be in situations like this. I also thank all those involved for such a swift rescue.  I have no doubt that if this couple did not have a registered EPIRB we would not have found them.”

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