Sailors rescued after boat overturns near Torquay

EMERGENCY services rescued two sailors after they fell overboard off the coast of Torquay on Wednesday last week.

Police, water police, ambulance and State Emergency Services from the Torquay Unit responded to a call for help from the vessel, which overturned about a kilometre off Whites Beach just before 2pm.

An SES spokesperson said the two sailors were unable to right their vessel – which later washed ashore – or get back aboard due to the rough conditions.

Both Life Saving Victoria (LSV) rescue helicopters were sent to the scene at 2.03pm, and one of the helicopters winched a male sailor from the water about 15 minutes later.

Ambulance Victoria paramedics assessed the two sailors on the beach but did not need to transport them to hospital.

“The male had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, providing invaluable floatation assistance which may have saved his life,” LSV lifesaving services director Kane Treloar said.

“No matter how strong a swimmer you are, or how experienced you are with your vessel, this is a timely reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.

“Paddlers, jet ski riders and recreational boaters must always wear a lifejacket and make sure they head out with a friend.”

For more information about water safety, head to the Play it Safe by the Water website at watersafety.vic.gov.au.