A second boating accident has occurred off the Gold Coast Seaway within a short period, following a previous incident involving a capsized vessel and multiple casualties. This latest event unfolded after a father and son were severely impacted by an exceptionally large wave.
“”It could be $50,000 or $60,000 worth of damage,”” stated Coastguard officer David Tapsall, reflecting the extent of the damage to the stricken boat. The father sustained significant facial injuries when a powerful swell shattered the vessel’s windscreen.
Rapid response was crucial; a volunteer marine rescue team arrived within sixty seconds upon receiving a distress signal from the trapped swimmers. Upon locating the submerged and severely compromised craft, the crew initiated recovery efforts. The boat was ultimately retrieved from the deep waters and transported back to Coastguard headquarters where the rescued individual, a member of the operation, is based.
A particularly poignant moment occurred during the rescue when the skipper of the responding vessel and the young passenger exclaimed ““g’day pop”,” revealing that the recipient was indeed his son and grandson.
This latest incident represents a second serious rescue at this precise location in just two days – mirroring yesterday’s harrowing event where three individuals were thrown from their boat due to a sudden surge.
Experts attribute these dangerous conditions to the lingering effects of ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has created exceptionally turbulent waters and significant swells along the bar at the seaway. The combination of these factors is making navigation extremely perilous.
Authorities are strongly advising all boat operators to exercise extreme caution. ““Please listen to the forecast,”” urged Tapsall, emphasizing the importance of heeding weather warnings. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist throughout the Easter long weekend, demanding heightened vigilance from those operating on the water.
