Indonesian fishermen rescued off West Australian coast

The Navy could be on the way to getting more surface combat vessels after a capability review. Photo: AAP
Twenty Indonesian fisherman aboard a semi-submerged trawler have been rescued off the West Australian coast.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority co-ordinated the safe recovery of the crewmen, who were stranded approximately 670 nautical miles west of Perth, on Sunday afternoon.
Indonesian authorities notified the AMSA Response Centre on Thursday that the vessel was in distress and required assistance.
The following morning, the Perth AMSA Challenger Jet conducted a sortie out to the vessel and dropped several life rafts.
Two Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and a C-130J Hercules also deployed rafts.
A Japanese fishing vessel diverted to the distress vessel and rendered initial assistance.
HMAS Anzac eventually transferred the fishermen aboard, with the long-range Navy frigate equipped with an interpreter and medical support.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority Executive Director Response Mark Morrow said the rescue was a relief to all involved.
He said the quick response of the Japanese boat, Fukuseki Maru 15 was instrumental to the success of the mission.
“The successful saving of 20 lives at sea is an incredible achievement of which all responding authorities should be proud.”