A LONE fisherman stranded overnight in a small boat 150km east of Mackay was spotted from the air by RACQ CQ Rescue early this morning.

The rescue helicopter was tasked to a search and rescue mission at first light after the fisherman was reported missing by his primary vessel about midnight.

About 5am when RACQ-CQ Rescue was en route to the search location, the fishermen had the good sense to activate his EPIRB which allowed the rescue helicopter crew to accurately pinpoint his location six nautical miles east of Creal Reef.

On arrival at the scene, the rescue helicopter hovered nearby and ascertained the relieved fisherman’s boat motor had broken down and that he was well. The helicopter crew reassured him he would be reunited with his vessel and crew and forwarded the stranded boat’s co-ordinates to his primary vessel who headed directly to the scene to pick him up.

An RACQ-CQ Rescue spokesperson said this was an example of how having an EPIRB on board enabled rescuers to save valuable time and money on a search and rescue and pinpoint the actual location of the fisherman in distress.

It was paramount boaties had the correct safety equipment aboard every time they went out on the water and knew how and when to use it, the spokesperson said.

The rescue chopper returned to base about 7.15am.

Source: www.dailymercury.com.au