A GME Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was used in the rescue of 3 people after the catamaran they were sailing ran aground on Cow and Calf Rocks, just off Windy Harbour, WA.
At around 5am on the 1st of July, the 38-foot catamaran hit Cow and Calf Rocks after one of the three on-board failed to see them on the plotter as it was obscured by the guide line. The impact alerted the skipper and awakened the 2 other sleeping crew to quickly collect their emergency equipment and EPIRBs as the catamaran slammed into the rocks with each wave. After activating their EPIRBs and using a satellite communicator the trio prepared for the worst until the catamaran drifted free from the rocks, leaving them floating without drives or electrics.
The EPIRB signal was received by the local
This activation was quickly received by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Australia who tasked a rescue helicopter and a Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) vessel to attend the scene. The helicopter arrived soon after and discovered the occupants were safe and the catamaran was not taking on much water, advising them to await the local VMR vessel which arrived later and towed the damaged vessel to Albany.
Thankfully all involved were uninjured and returned home safely but this rescue serves to remind us how important it is to carry an EPIRB and ensure that your registration details are up to date before heading out to sea, as accidents can happen at any time.
For more information on our range of emergency beacons click here.