Water Police, officers from Cairns and Smithfield Stations and the Queensland Government Rescue 510 helicopter were called to Buchans Point Beach at Palm Cove at about 8.45pm last night 9 July, after a 43-year-old Holloways Beach man attempted to paddle to Double Island.
Campers at the beach observed the man preparing to launch a two-meter kayak from the beach to go spearfishing at Double Island, approximately 1.5km from Palm Cove.
The campers attempted to intervened but were unable stop the man.
Rescue 510 located the man in choppy seas approximately 700 meters off the beach around 12.07am this morning, 10 July.
The man was winched to safety and conveyed to Cairns Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
Police are urging locals to check weather conditions, and ensure they have proper equipment when beginning a voyage.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
