TWO divers have been found alive after a tense 20-hour search off North Stradbroke Island in what police have described as a “great outcome” following a major multi-agency rescue effort.
The pair — a 45-year-old Victoria Point man and a 43-year-old Robina man — were reported missing about 10am on April 18 after failing to return to their boat at the expected time of 9.15am.
Acting Sergeant Matt Boswell said the alarm triggered an immediate large-scale response.
“So at about 10am yesterday, the 18th of April, police and emergency services were advised that two divers — a 45-year-old Victoria Point man and a 43-year-old Robina man — had failed to return to their boat at the expected time of 9.15am,” he said.
“The call was put out and a number of agencies responded, including Water Police, police divers, local police, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Maritime Safety Queensland, Marine Rescue Queensland, Coast Guard, Surf Life Saving Queensland and aerial assets.”
The search continued for about 20 hours with crews battling challenging conditions and growing concerns for the divers’ safety.
“Conditions were fairly rough, and obviously being out in the ocean for that amount of time raises concerns around exposure,” Acting Sgt Boswell said.
The breakthrough came early Sunday morning when the pair were spotted from the air.
“They were located about 7am this morning by the AMSA Challenger aircraft,” he said.
“They were about 2.2 nautical miles off Main Beach, and they had drifted roughly 14 nautucal miles south from their original location.”
The dramatic rescue brought relief to everyone involved in the operation.
“It’s a relief. I imagine everyone who was aware of the incident would have been relieved,” Acting Sgt Boswell said.
The operation drew on both local and regional resources, including specialist crews from Brisbane.
“There were local crews involved as well as Brisbane Water Police coming up from Brisbane,” he said.
“They were ultimately located by an AMSA Challenger jet, and Surf Life Saving helicopters and jet skis were also involved, along with multiple vessels.”
Acting Sgt Boswell said the incident highlighted just how quickly conditions at sea can change.
“Yeah, you just never know what’s going to happen,” he said.
He said the successful outcome would be welcomed by the wider community and the families of the divers.
“I think everyone would be grateful for an outcome like this,” he said.
“It’s a great outcome.”
