Two fishermen did “basically everything right” after their boat broke down off the Top End coast in Australia.
With a ruptured fuel line and taking on water, they used what fuel they had to navigate to an area where tides would carry them to Indian Island.
JRCC Australia tasked helicopter CFLT1 and a water police vessel to the location.
AMSA could not initially confirm the authenticity of the activation, as the beacon was unregistered, and the helicopter was unable to reach them on any marine radio frequencies.
Water police took the vessel in tow and educated the occupants about the importance of beacon registration.
CareFlight urged boaters to carry not just mandatory flares and an EPIRB, but also a marine frequency radio to contact emergency services.
“The other message is if do find yourselves in difficulty, it’s always better to call for help earlier rather than later,” Mr Inglis said.
“A search at sea during the day is so much easier.”