Local tour operator saves stranded kayakers

HIGH school students got to experience a real life rescue when their Bellarine tour operators were called on to save the lives of two men stranded at sea.

Sea All Dolphin Swims, which is based at Queenscliff Boat Harbour, received the mayday call last Tuesday, at the same time they were conducting a tour with 28 Year 8 students on board.

“Two Indian guys in their 20s had rented a two-man kayak off Sorrento,” owner James Murphy said.

“When we found them, one was in the water and the other one was laying on the top of the kayak.

“They were hyperthermic and had about 20 mins left in them before their bodies would have shut down.”

Mr Murphy said while recusing the first two men, they were informed a third man was also in trouble, but by then search and rescue were on the case, which rescued him.

“It’s very disappointing that there are tour operators out there willing to rent out equipment when they are aware a storm front is coming, plus the men didn’t have any insulation such as a wetsuit, and they had no awareness of the ocean,” he said.

“We were the only boat in that area of the ocean, so they were very fortunate.”

Mr Murphy said the first two men left Sorrento and drifted about five kilometres towards a rip, while the third kayaker was located about one kilometre off Queenscliff.

“At the end of the day there are three men from Melbourne who are alive and safe, and the kids got a firsthand look at a real life rescue with a good result,” he said.

“It sure was an adventure.”