Baby among eight rescued from capsized boat off Qld
The rescue helicopter hovered above the group, who were all in the water, until they were safely aboard the bulk carrier. Photo: Twitter/RACQ Capricorn Heli
A cargo ship has come to the rescue of eight people, including a young baby, after their boat sank in waters off the central Queensland coast.
The RACQ rescue helicopter was deployed after their vessel began taking on water near North West Island, north-east of Gladstone, just after 10am on Friday.
It found the sunken craft and all eight wearing life-jackets and in the water. Among the children on board was a six-month-old baby.
Tweet from @caprescue
The aircraft circled above the group as they were being rescued by sailors aboard the bulk carrier RTM Twarra, after the merchant vessel was diverted to the scene by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
All eight people were pulled to safety before 12.30pm and were found to be “in good spirits,” RACQ said in a statement.
The group were transported back to Yeppoon by water police.
The ship will now head to Gladstone.
“AMSA wishes to thank the crew of the RTM Twarra for their help in this successful rescue,” the organisation said.
-with agencies
