The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) responded quickly to a call for marine safety equipment after a near death experience off Don Cay, East Torres Strait, on 29 April.
TSRA provided 3 “Life Cell” kits, as part of the Wapil 2 project, to a fisher based on Mer (Murray Island), Maluwap Ali Nona, after his son, Kulia and two companions, Warren Ghee and Kaba Noah, came dangerously close to being lost at sea.
The 3 young men were swamped in heavy seas and their 5-metre dory capsized while fishing on the last day of the lucrative but short Beche de Mer (black teatfish) 3-day season.
“Like my father before me, I’ve taught all my family the importance of having safety equipment on board and how to use an EPIRB. Luckily, my son, Kulia, activated the EPIRB before scrambling onto the upturned hull.” Mr Nona said.
The young men spent an anxious 90 minutes, battered by waves, until they were rescued by officers from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
“Their wait was mercifully short,” he said, “because the EPIRB pinpointed their position.”
While grateful no lives were lost, the incident was a significant financial blow to the east Torres Strait fishing family. The boat, a new motor and 300 kilograms of black teatfish were never recovered.
Needing help to replace and upgrade his safety equipment, Mr Nona contacted the TSRA Fisheries programme.
The Fisheries team immediately set to work to source the $2,500 kits, which contain Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), flares and life jackets. They were presented to Mr Nona in early July.
TSRA Chair, Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the $7,500 for the Life Cells was a small investment for a potentially huge benefit.
“I would encourage all fishers to ensure their marine safety equipment is up to date and on board your boat before you head out to sea,” Mr Stephen said.
The safety kits, provided through the TSRA Wapil 2 project, are funded by the National Indigenous Australian Agency. The Wapil 2 project aims to help Torres Strait Islander fishers to grow a world class, financially sustainable and safe fishing industry by providing infrastructure, assets, and training. The training component will be delivered through partnerships with training and maritime safety agencies.
The Wapil 2 project is aimed at Traditional Inhabitants Boating (TIB), commercial full-time fishers. It builds on the good work already being done through the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program.