It was a busy time for our North Fremantle-based Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) last week, with the crew tasked to attend multiple Search and Rescue operations in addition to their regular daily patrols.
With a 21-metre yacht catching fire off Cottesloe (opens in a new tab) last Monday morning, our helicopter was first on the scene (opens in a new tab) to look for occupants of the vessel. With plumes of black smoke billowing into the air, the crew spotted a dinghy carrying the two men who had managed to escape the burning yacht and directed WA Water Police to their exact location, where they could be helped onboard the larger vessel and ferried to safety.
On Friday, the service was dispatched to Ocean Reef after it was reported that a Jet Ski with two people on board had lost power and was being pushed towards the rocky breakwater wall.
Trapped in a precarious position and pushed against the rock wall by the surging swell, the passengers were at serious risk of injury. Our helicopter dispatched rescue crew members Joe and Tim, who were able to assist the passengers and help them out of the water and up the rocky wall. After administering first aid for superficial injuries sustained in the incident, the individuals involved could walk away safely.
It’s fantastic to report positive outcomes for all involved in these incidents.
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is proudly supported by the Government of Western Australia and partnered by Westpac.
