LUCKY TO BE ALIVE
Kayaking couple rescued after 11 hours of treading water
A MAREEBA man and his partner spent 11 hours in crocodile and shark-infested waters after their kayak was swamped between Lucinda and Pelorus Island.
Water filled the vessel manned by 20-year-old Brock Hawke, a medical student at James Cook University, and his girlfriend Grace Thong, 19, about 1pm on Saturday when they were well short of Pelorus Island.
They abandoned the kayak and Ms Thong wore the only lifejacket on board as she and the former Mareeba State High School student battled to tread water, trying to make land.
They endured 11 hours in the water.
Battling through a strong current and winds, they had been paddling towards the jetty at Lucinda but missed it by 200m, being carried further out to sea.
After their ordeal treading water, they washed up on rocks at Hinchinbrook Island.
The alarm was raised about 5.30pm on Saturday when the two kayakers were overdue.
Senior Constable Nick Swan, from Townsville Water Police, said it sparked a massive air and sea search.
Poor weather, including 45km/h winds and 3m seas hampered the search which was called off at 1am, and resumed yesterday at first light.
The duo were spotted on the island by the Townsville Volunteer Coast Guard crew.
“We had to launch our zodiac vessel because of the shallow water,” Coxswain Michael Dunkley said.
Two of the crew volunteered to brave the rough water. Within 20 minutes they sighted the couple but were unable to land because of the weather.
The rescue helicopter was then sent in to pick the pair up from the island at 9.30am and they were taken to Ingham Hospital where they were treated for minor abrasions and dehydration. Hospital staff confirmed yesterday they were in a stable condition.
The Cairns Post understands the couple were advised not to attempt the expedition because of the bad weather.
Sen-Constable Swan said the duo had a lucky escape.
“At the end of the day this is a good outcome that we’ve located them but it could have quite easily ended up in death or serious injury.” he said.
Ms Thong and Mr Hawke declined to comment.