Maryborough always one to be Aware
10 June 2011 By LEUT Peter Croce
AWARE ONE crew onboard HMAS Maryborough is living up to its name after rescuing a trio of anglers in distress off Broome.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Jeff Williams said his crew swung into action after noticing a red flare dip into the sea and orange smoke burst from the ocean in the vicinity of a recreational boat around 3.30pm last Tuesday, 24 May 2011.
“A red flare and orange smoke are both international signals for distress so it was obvious that someone was in trouble,” LCDR Williams said.
LCDR Williams’s ship was at anchor in Gantheaum Bay, off the famous Cable Beach, while on station as a response vessel for Operation RESOLUTE.
“I ordered the sea-boat to be launched to investigate and it was away within minutes. Meanwhile I had a good look with the binoculars and could see a recreational craft not too far from our anchorage with three people waving their arms.”
LSCK William Millward, a good cook and excellent boat driver, was at the helm of the jet powered RHIB along with SMNBM Jake Mewett and ABBM Stephen Nolan on their way to render assistance at high speed.
LCDR Williams said the crew discovered two men and a woman from Broome were out for a day’s fishing when their boat broke down and would not start.
“There were still strong winds and choppy seas and they were drifting out to sea. Their trailer was not too far away at Gantheaum Point Boat ramp so LS Millward and the boys took them in tow and headed back to the ramp,” LCDR Williams said.
“The owner of the boat called the ship up from shore and could not thank us enough, they were getting very worried when they were drifting out to sea and were hoping that we would see their flare and smoke.
“There was no chance of them not being seen with Aware One’s alert anchor watch keeping a constant lookout.”
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