Defence assists boat in distress

21 November 2007

Yesterday afternoon HMAS Tarakan and HMAS Ararat assisted a 10-metre wooden boat with 16 people on board, which had arrived at an Australian offshore resource installation off the northwest coast of Australia. The passengers included six adults (three males, three females), and ten children.

The boat was overcrowded and unstable, with an unserviceable engine. It had limited provisions onboard and was taking on water as a result of a slow leak, which was being managed with a portable pump. No lifejackets were observed on the vessel.

HMAS Ararat's efforts to render assistance were complicated by a number of factors, particularly the over-crowding and instability of the vessel. On attempting to commence the transfer of passengers using a rigid inflatable boat, two members of HMAS Ararat's crew and six of the boat's passengers fell into the water. As the boat started to sink more quickly, the remaining passengers also entered the water. All were recovered safely and a subsequent assessment revealed that no injuries were sustained.

Minister Nelson said that the efforts of the Navy personnel in difficult circumstances were first class.

"The crew from HMAS Ararat were able to recover all of the passengers safely from an unstable and overcrowded vessel. Navy crew have since been focussed on ensuring the health and wellbeing of those rescued.

"It is likely the people that have been rescued will be transferred to a larger ship for their comfort and to enable HMAS Ararat to return to operational tasking," he said.

Minister Nelson said the identity of the people on board and other details are yet to be determined.

"Matters relating to identity and status will be determined by staff from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship," he said.