Five Rescued, Puppy Safe After Boat Sinks Off North Queensland Coast
CAPE BOWLING GREEN, QLD – Five people and a puppy were rescued today after their boat sank near Cape bowling Green, north of Townsville. A distress signal activated by the group led emergency services to their location, averting a potentially tragic outcome.
The group had been travelling in a 7-meter boat from a larger anchored vessel towards Magnetic Island when the boat began taking on water. They spent nearly an hour in the water before being located by a rescue helicopter.
Townsville Water Police officer in charge Matthew Pegg said the group was relieved when help arrived. “They were pretty relieved when the helicopter was overhead,” Sergeant Pegg said. He added the conditions were challenging,stating,”It was quite rough and the water was dirty and they were worried about other things that might have been in the water.”
The rescued group included a puppy named Sooky, who was reported to be in “good spirits” and even took a nap in the back of a police car after being brought ashore. the boat sustained significant damage and is now lost.
Police are using the incident to remind boaters of the importance of carrying appropriate safety equipment, including an emergency beacon. “It has probably saved their lives,” Sergeant Pegg said. “If your boating this summer, make sure your vessel has the correct safety equipment.”
The rescue highlights the critical role emergency beacons play in maritime safety, particularly in North Queensland waters. Authorities urge all boaters to ensure their beacons are registered and in good working order before heading out on the water.