Brisbane sailor charged for 'not preparing' after sea incident

2:35 PM Mon 11 Jan 2010 GMT

'Abbott Bay, north west of Bowen - scene of yesterday’s incident' .

Is it a sign of things to come? For many years there have been sporadic calls for irresponsible sailors to be held accountable when they go to sea without proper preparation.

Now, at least in Bowen in Queensland, it's happening - a sailor has been charged for 'not preparing properly to go to sea, and unsafe operation of a vessel.'

Police have charged a 48-year-old Brisbane sailor following an incident on Sunday.

Around 11am police were advised of a distress call from a nine metre sailing vessel located at Abbot Bay, north of Bowen. The vessel master reported the vessel has taken on water, and they were experiencing difficulties due to wind and sea conditions, and in need of assistance.

The sailors were rescued, not by the rescue authorities, but by staff of the Abbot Point coal facility - .. .

The system went to work. The Townsville Water Police Search and Rescue coordinators commenced a search and rescue response. They also organised for a volunteer marine rescue vessel from Bowen and a rescue helicopter from Mackay to attend the location.

Around 2pm the two occupants of the vessel managed to get ashore where they were assisted by staff from the local Abbot Point coal facility.

Officers from the Bowen Police Station arrived at the scene around 3pm, four hours after the original call.

According to the police, the vessel master allegedly ignored rough weather conditions and did not prepare properly before sailing.

He was charged for an unsafe operation of a vessel, and is due to appear in the Bowen Magistrates Court on March 2.

by Sail-World Cruising