What’s happening?
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) successfully coordinated a search and rescue mission in the Coral Sea, approximately 740 km east of Mackay, Queensland, to save a Lithuanian rower caught in Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The rower was attempting a solo rowing journey from San Diego to Brisbane when he activated his distress beacon on Friday, 28 February 2025, at 10 pm AEDT.
Over the next three days, AMSA worked closely with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to execute the rescue. The mission included the deployment of AMSA’s Challenger jets (based in Cairns and Melbourne), a RAAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Choules. The HMAS Choules crew successfully rescued the rower at 8 am AEDT on Monday, 3 March 2025.
Why it Matters?
This operation highlights Australia’s robust search and rescue network, demonstrating the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in responding to maritime emergencies. The mission underscores the importance of safety measures and early distress beacon activation, ensuring timely assistance in life-threatening situations at sea.
Local Impact
The rescue mission reinforces the importance of emergency preparedness for mariners navigating through Queensland’s waters. The operation also underscores the readiness of Australia’s defence and safety agencies to respond to extreme weather events and emergencies in remote oceanic areas.
By the Numbers:
- 740 km – The distance of the rower’s vessel from Mackay, Queensland, at the time of distress.
- 3 days – Duration of the coordinated search and rescue effort.
- 8 am AEDT, 3 March 2025 – The time the rescue was successfully completed by HMAS Choules.
Zoom In
AMSA Response Centre Manager, Kevin McEvoy, commended the Royal Australian Navy and RAAF for their swift action, stating:
“This rescue mission highlights the collaborative and cooperative arrangements which facilitate these lifesaving services in Australia’s vast search and rescue region. AMSA is grateful for the promptness and readiness of Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy in helping to bring the rower safely to Australian shores.”
McEvoy also emphasised the importance of early distress beacon activation, noting:
“The rower activated his personal locator beacon early on, and that allowed for a prompt response and a good outcome.”
Zoom Out
AMSA plays a critical role in coordinating aviation and maritime search and rescue operations across Australia’s vast search and rescue zone. Under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990, AMSA is responsible for lifesaving coordination efforts and operates within the framework of key international safety conventions, including:
- International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue 1979
- Convention on International Civil Aviation 1994
For more details about distress beacons, visit: Beacons – Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
What to Look For Next?
With Queensland’s cyclone season nearing its end, AMSA continues to promote marine safety awareness and urges all seafarers to equip themselves with personal locator beacons (PLBs) and emergency plans. The agency is expected to further enhance public safety campaigns, reinforcing the life-saving role of early distress beacon activation.
For more information on AMSA’s role in search and rescue operations, visit:
👉 International search and rescue conventions | Australian Maritime Safety Authority
