A fisherman has been rescued from a sinking boat after he sent out a mayday call from the bay off Sandringham.
After receiving a mayday call from the bay around 6pm on Thursday, water police organised a search involving the Air Wing, land-based police and coast guard rescue vessels.
A 40-year-old Bacchus March man, whose boat is believed to have sunk, was found in the water by a passing fisherman.
Police believe they twice came within 100m of the man but couldn’t see him as he didn’t have a torch or flare.
Water Police sergeant Ed Formosa said it was important for boat owners to have their safety equipment in working order.
“We just can’t stress the importance of having a torch or flare accessible on you when you go into the water,” he said.
“To be able to shine a torch or let off a flare when rescue teams are nearby will save your life.”
