A 28-year-old man has been rescued after becoming stranded on an island off the coast of Point Samson in the Pilbara.
About 10.00am on Friday, 17 April 2026, emergency services were notified by concerned family members after the man failed to return to the mainland following a planned solo boating and camping trip to Picard Island in a 3.3-metre inflatable dinghy.
A multi-agency search and rescue operation was coordinated by the Water Police Coordination Centre in North Fremantle, with oversight from the Pilbara Police District Office, WA Police Emergency Operations Unit, and Police Air Wing.
Officers from Roebourne and Karratha Police Stations were supported by Volunteer Marine Rescue units, along with commercial and private vessels assisting in the search.
Later that day, police spotters aboard a charter flight located the man signalling for assistance in knee-deep water in a remote part of Picard Island. A nearby commercial fishing vessel was directed to the location, where the man was recovered.
He was transported to the Point Samson boat ramp, where he was assessed by St John WA paramedics and treated for severe dehydration. He was not injured.
It is understood the man had been snorkelling approximately five kilometres from the island when his vessel broke anchor, leaving him stranded. He then attempted to swim to another nearby island and spent several hours in the water before reaching land, where he remained until assistance arrived.
Police remind skippers that conditions at sea can change rapidly and encourage anyone undertaking offshore trips to plan carefully, check weather and tide conditions, carry required safety equipment including lifejackets, an EPIRB, flares and a first aid kit, maintain reliable communication, and advise others of travel plans and expected return times.
For further boating and outdoor safety information and checklists, visit www.adventuresmart.org.au
