Four Men Rescued from Capsized Boat by Rottnest Fast Ferries
A Rottnest Fast Ferries vessel rescued four people after their boat capsized yesterday.
Rottnest Fast Ferries was operating a scheduled passenger service on catamaran Ocean Master from Rottnest Island to Hillarys Boat Harbour at 17:45pm on Monday 22nd December when the crew received a call from Coast Radio Perth at 18:15pm alerting them to an incident three nautical miles west of Pinnaroo Point.
Ocean Master and Rottnest Island
Ocean Master docked at Hillarys Boat Harbour
Captain Ryan Poolman, the skipper on board when the distress call was received
After the crew plotted the location and identified that they were less than 15 minutes away, Coast Radio Perth confirmed that they should proceed. Ocean Master increased speed and arrived at the scene 13 minutes later, where the situation was assessed and rescue procedures were implemented.
Safety ladders were deployed and Ocean Master was carefully manoeuvred alongside the upturned vessel. The group entered the water one at a time and swam to the ladder, with all four individuals safely brought onboard within five minutes.
The men, aged between 19 and 50 years old, had first-aid administered by the crew until Ocean Master docked at Hillarys Boat Harbour approximately 15 minutes later, where police and ambulance crews were waiting. They were treated for minor injuries by St John WA paramedics.
The group had been travelling from Parakeet Bay, Rottnest Island, to the mainland when their 5.7-metre aluminium half-cabin cruiser was overturned by the swell, throwing all four occupants into the water. One member of the group was able to call triple zero from his iPhone after going overboard, triggering a multi-agency response. They were sitting on and clinging to the partially submerged hull of the upturned vessel for approximately 30-45 minutes until Ocean Master arrived.
Captain Ryan Poolman, the skipper on board at the time, said: “My crew did an absolutely wonderful job, the equipment was fantastic, and the rescue played out perfectly. I’m pleased that they’re safe, they’re okay, and that they get to spend Christmas with their families.”
James Mulholland is the Managing Director of Pinnacle Travel Group, which operates Rottnest Fast Ferries. He said: “We’re happy to have been in the right place at the right time, and to have facilitated a safe outcome.”
Mulholland praised Poolman and crew members Elsie Godderidge, Mia Thomas, Justin Ferguson and Jed Cummuskey for their professionalism during the rescue. Crew members on board all Rottnest Fast Ferries vessels are trained in emergency response.
“I’m extremely proud of our crew’s quick actions. I’d also like to extend my thanks to our wonderful passengers – we had 365 people on board, many of whom offered their towels to help keep the affected individuals warm.
“This incident is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change on the water. We wish everyone a safe boating season this Christmas and summer.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Jen MacLean, jen.maclean@pinnacletravelgroup.com.au (+61) 467 010 528
ABOUT ROTTNEST FAST FERRIES
Rottnest Fast Ferries is the only locally owned and operated ferry company to Rottnest Island, providing fast and affordable daily transportation from marina and tourist precinct Hillarys Boat Harbour, which is located just 25 minutes from Perth's CBD. Free parking and complimentary hotel transfers from major hotels are available. For more information, visit: https://www.rottnestfastferries.com.au/
ABOUT PINNACLE TRAVEL GROUP
As a fully integrated, Western Australian, family-owned business with over 40 years of tourism experience, Pinnacle Travel Group delivers excellence in transportation services. It encompasses industry-leading ferry services, coach day tours, and niche seasonal products, all locally owned and operated. For more information, visit: https://www.pinnacletravelgroup.com.au/