Around 10.40am today, Wednesday 29 July 2020, police responded to a call from a vessel that had been overwhelmed by a wave near Carnarvon.
The vessel had overturned off the coast, near the Quobba Blow Holes rest area.
One of the four occupants had accessed a mobile phone that had been stored in a waterproof bag and called 000.
All four (3 men and a woman) were wearing life jackets. Their EPIRB was activated and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre were able to pinpoint their location.
A private vessel in the area immediately went to assist and recovered everyone in the water, as the Carnarvon Marine Rescue were on the way.
A private plane flying in the area circled the distressed vessel, relaying information to emergency services during the rescue.
RIO Tinto Emergency Services personnel from a nearby mine site responded and provided initial care for those involved once ashore.
St John Ambulance also attended and two men were conveyed to Carnarvon Hospital to receive treatment for minor injuries.
The three men were aged in their 60's and 70s and the woman was daughter of one of the men.
Carnarvon Police would like to thank all involved in this community effort.
A WA Police Force spokesperson said this is a great example of people being prepared for emergencies on the water.
"In a marine emergency situation every second counts. By being prepared with life vests, an EPIRB and a mobile phone in a water-proof case the skipper was able to quickly alert authorities to their situation and provide information on exactly where they were."
