The dramatic rescue of a man who spent hours at the mercy of ocean currents off the Western Australian coast has been captured in a compelling video. The incident unfolded near Geraldton, a coastal city located more than four hours north of Perth, highlighting both the dangers and the lifesaving efforts in regional waters.
Alert Issued After Empty Boat Discovery
Police raised the alarm for 61-year-old Kenneth Robinson after his unmanned vessel was discovered drifting off the Geraldton coastline around 11.15am on Thursday. The empty boat was found near Chapman Bay, immediately triggering a coordinated search operation involving marine rescue teams.
Hypothermic But Alive: The Rescue Moment
Marine rescue volunteers located Robinson just before 2.25pm, pulling him from the water in a state of hypothermia but alive. He was swiftly transported to hospital for medical assessment and treatment. Geraldton Marine Rescue volunteer James McCombe, who has served for over thirty years, described the emotional moment of discovery.
"Ecstatic. It just brings a shiver. Fantastic," McCombe said, reflecting on the rescue. "He was obviously very fatigued. He wasn't moving very well at all. He was able to wave his arms to get attention."
Sequence of Events Leading to the Incident
Robinson was last seen at 7.30am on Thursday as he launched his boat from the Francis Street boat ramp in Geraldton. Authorities believe he later fell overboard while the vessel was in reverse gear. A local fisherman came across the unmanned boat and promptly alerted authorities, initiating the rescue response.
Lifejacket Credited for Survival
Authorities confirmed Robinson was wearing a lifejacket during the ordeal, which they stated "contributed towards his survival." By Friday, Robinson was reported to be in stable condition, recovering from his traumatic experience at sea.
Critical Safety Reminders for Boaters
With the Australia Day long weekend underway and thousands expected to take to the water, WA Police issued important safety reminders for all boat owners. Authorities emphasized the importance of proper preparation and equipment checks before heading out on the water.
Key safety recommendations include:
- Carrying appropriate safety gear including life jackets
- Ensuring you have a registered EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
- Carrying flares for emergency signalling
- Logging on and off with local sea rescue groups via radio or using the Deckee app
Authorities stressed that "preparation saves lives" and encouraged all boaters to take these precautions seriously, particularly during the busy summer boating season.
The successful rescue operation serves as both a heartwarming story of survival and a crucial reminder of the importance of maritime safety practices in Australian waters.
