Ferry makes quick rescue after smoke detected on nearby boat

A GROUP of 22 people, mostly schoolchildren, were evacuated from a boat in Port Philip Bay last week after smoke was seen coming from its engine room.

A Parks Victoria vessel and a nearby ferry operated by Searoad Ferries responded to the incident and came to the boat’s aid.

All passengers were safely evacuated onto the ferry after it pulled alongside the distressed vessel.

None of the passengers sustained any injuries.

The ferry was travelling from Sorrento to Queenscliff when it received the distress call from the boat, operated by local tourism company Sea All Dolphin Swims.

“We would like to congratulate our fast-thinking crew and staff who took just 6-minutes to respond to the distress call and safely board all the children onto the ferry,” Searoad Ferries stated following the incident.

“The ferry continued onto Queenscliff where the children were safety disembarked into the ferry terminal.”

Sea All Dolphins Swim director James Murphy said the boat was evacuated as a “precautionary measure”.

“After moving passengers to the nearby car ferry, the skipper was able to dissipate the smoke, restart the engine and drive the vessel back into the berth under its own power.

While initial reports suggested a fire had broken out on board the vessel, Murphy said emergency services found no evidence of flames.

“After speaking with CFA and water police, who inspected the vessel at the dock, it was reported that they did not see evidence of a fire on board, instead alluding to the smoke possibly being caused from smoking oil from the engine overheating.”

He said a thorough mechanical and electrical assessment of the boat would be completed, and thanked Searoad Ferries, Parks Victoria and emergency services for their response.

“Any smoke on a vessel is alarming and we are so thankful that it was a minor incident.

“The whole Queenscliff maritime community does such an incredible job, and it was so warming to see everyone come to our aid in such a timely and professional manner in our moment of need.”