Rottnest Fast Ferries crew members win Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards
Five Rottnest Fast Ferries staff have been presented with Royal Life Saving WA Bravery Awards following a rescue operation last December.
Ryan Poolman (pictured), Justin Fergusan, Elsie Godderidge, Jed Cummuskey, and Mia Thomas won Gold Star Bravery Awards after rescuing four men from an overturned vessel three days before Christmas.
The ferry was operating a scheduled passenger service 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.
They arrived at the scene just over 10 minutes later, where the situation was assessed and rescue procedures were implemented. Ryan positioned the ferry, Justin and Elsie brought the men aboard with the help of safety ladders, and Jed and Mia managed 365 passengers before paramedics took over at Hillarys Marina.
The group had been travelling back 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.
They were sitting and clinging onto the partially submerged hull of the upturned vessel for approximately 30-45 minutes until the Rottnest Fast Ferries crew arrived.
“I hope it raises awareness of how quickly ocean conditions can change”
The awards ceremony was held at the State Reception Centre in Kings Park on Friday 9th October, honouring Western Australians who put their lifesaving skills, knowledge and quick thinking into action during serious and unexpected emergencies.
This year, 84 recipients were honoured for their actions across 31 emergencies, from providing CPR and first aid to carrying out rescues and helping others in life-threatening situations.
Recipients included aquatic professionals, police and emergency services personnel, children, and community members. Guests included His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, and his wife, Mrs Darrilyn Dawson, joint patrons of Royal Life Saving WA, alongside President Vaughan Davies, Board Members and Life Members.
Ryan said: “The main thing is that four people got home safely. It’s cool to be recognised, and I hope it helps raise awareness of how quickly conditions on the water can change, and how seriously ocean safety needs to be taken.”
Royal Life Saving WA Board President Vaughan Davies highlighted the importance of building lifesaving skills across the community.
“We want to prevent drowning and other emergencies wherever possible, but we also want people to have the knowledge and skills to respond when something does go wrong. The awards recognise the actions of individuals, but their stories also demonstrate why building lifesaving capability across our community matters,” he said.
The Royal Life Saving WA Bravery Awards are proudly supported by BHP, Principal Community Partner.