Exmouth marine search sparked by floating fishing equipment and life vests called off

A marine rescue off the coast of Exmouth prompted after several life jackets and a fuel tank were found floating in the ocean was called off after all parties were accounted for. About 10.15am on Sunday August 11, a fishing trawler notified police fishing equipment and life vests had been found about 18 nautical miles from the Exmouth Marina. The finding prompted a marine search and rescue operation by the Water Police Coordinator Centre. Units from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Marine Rescue team, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Challenger jet and helicopter, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’ Fisheries team, and the Department of Transport were called to assist in the search. But the units were stood down after it was established all parties were on land at the time the vessel overturned. Marine Rescue crews towed the small boat back to shore. WA Police confirmed there were no injuries or rescues required, and everyone was accounted for, safe and well.