Elliot River boat rescue

Every year the National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) Council presents awards for outstanding courage, endurance and selflessness in saving the lives of others. Professional Search and Rescue Award

The Professional Search and Rescue Award was awarded to Detective Sergeant Andrew Self of the Queensland Police Service for the boat rescue at Elliot River, Queensland.

Vessel ran aground: Elliot River, Queensland boat rescue of two men aged 29 and 72.

Image supplied by Andrew Self

Detective Sergeant Self displayed exceptional courage during the rescue of two men aged 72 and 29 at Elliott River in September 2017, when their vessel ran aground at the rocky entrance to the river mouth.

Detective Sergeant Self accepted coordination of the rescue and set out to reach the stricken vessel with the aid of the local Volunteer Marine Rescue surface-response vessel.

However, when they arrived at the scene, it was apparent the Volunteer Marine Rescue vessel was too large to get close enough to assist the stricken vessel. A smaller rescue boat was sourced from the State Emergency Service. Several failed attempts were made to approach the stricken vessel.

With little time to spare, Sergeant Self—who was on board the State Emergency Services vessel—swam 50 metres to the vessel under rough conditions and in complete darkness. He guided both men to the rescue boat.

However, the 72-year-old man was unable to pull himself from the water even when assisted, so Sergeant Self stayed in the water to protect the man as the SES vessel dragged them to a more sheltered beach where they were able to get on board safely.

Both of the rescued men were treated for minor injuries, shock and hypothermia. Detective Sergeant Self suffered a sprained wrist but was otherwise uninjured.

For more information about NATSAR visit natsar.amsa.gov.au/award.asp

From: Working Boats, December 2018