Rescue of Stranded Indonesian Fishers Amid Cyclone Ilsa Raises Concerns for Missing Crew
A group of Indonesian fishers have been rescued after six days stranded on a tiny island off the coast of Western Australia amid Cyclone Ilsa, but authorities hold grim concerns for nine others who were shipwrecked.
The eleven fishermen had no food or water when they came to shore on Bedwell Island in the Rowley Shoals after they were shipwrecked, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said. Their vessel was seriously damaged when they came into the path of Cyclone Ilsa.
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They had been spotted by a Border Force plane, before an AMSA helicopter was dispatched to rescue them yesterday.
But authorities have grim fears for another group of Indonesian fishermen caught up in the path of Cyclone Ilsa.
Their boat was sunk in the powerful storm, with ten on board.
The surviving boat’s crew managed to save one of the stranded fishermen before their boat ended up on Bedwell Island.
But the remaining nine fishermen are feared dead
The survivors rescued from Bedwell Island were taken to Broome Hospital for treatment.
The Rowley Shoals are a series of coral reefs about 300km off the coast of Western Australia, west of Broome.
The area is known for its deep-sea fishing, Bedwell Island itself is nothing but a long patch of sand.
While the rescue brought hope for some, the plight of another group of Indonesian fishermen caught in Cyclone Ilsa’s path casts a shadow of sorrow. Tragically, their boat was sunk by the powerful storm, and only one fisherman was saved by the crew of a surviving vessel before they all ended up on Bedwell Island. The fate of the remaining nine fishermen remains unknown, and fears are growing that they may have lost their lives at sea. Authorities are working tirelessly to gather any information that could lead to their whereabouts and provide closure to their families.
Rescue Efforts Bring Relief to the Stranded Fishermen:
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) played a vital role in the successful rescue mission. After the stranded fishermen were spotted by a Border Force plane, AMSA swiftly mobilized a helicopter to reach the island. With little time to spare, the rescuers managed to reach the fishermen and transport them to safety. It was a moment of relief and triumph as the survivors were brought back to civilization, leaving behind the harsh realities of their island ordeal.
By Nick Pearson
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