The efficient Rescue of a PLB-carrying bushwalker, rescued on Sunday after injuring her knee on Eldon Bluff on the West Coast of Australia, stands in sharp contrast to the extensive resources deployed to rescue boaters on Wednesday.
Six adults and three children aboard a 4.5 metre boat, with no beacon, abandoned ship and went off in different directions when they ran out of fuel in crocodile-infested waters in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia.
Extensive resources were deployed to search for them when they were reported missing, including four helicopters at a time.
Mount Isa Police District Inspector Trevor Kidd said inquiries were under way into possible charges relating to the lack of safety gear and licensing to operate the boat.
He said the area was becoming more prevalent for dangerous operation of boats.
Read more here:
http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/2964810/boat-search-could-have-been-avoided-police-say/