QLD: Two fishermen rescued from burning boat

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-1998
QLD: Two fishermen rescued from burning boat

BRISBANE, Dec 3 AAP - Two fishermen were rescued from a burning boat off the south-east
Queensland coast today, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said.

Another fishing boat, the Wymbrel, rescued the pair, both aged 27, from Bundaberg, from
their 10.5m fibreglass vessel, the Freeman, about 50 nautical miles east of Yeppoon.

They were taken to nearby Tryon Island where they were picked up by a rescue helicopter and
flown to Rockhampton, an AMSA spokesman said.

The search began after Australias national search and rescue organisation AusSAR detected
a radio distress signal about 6.15am (AEST).

Rescue helicopters responded from Rockhampton and Gladstone but the Wymbrel reached the
stricken boat first after seeing smoke on the horizon.

The fishermen told rescuers they believe the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

The mens condition was not immediately known.

AAP jhm/cjh

KEYWORD: BOAT LEAD

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