Rottnest ferry rescues divers ‘stranded’ by tour boat off WA coast

A Harrowing Rescue: Scuba Divers Left Stranded Off the Coast of Western Australia

In a chilling incident that has raised serious concerns about safety protocols in the diving industry, two experienced scuba divers were left stranded for hours in the open water off the coast of Western Australia. The pair was part of an organized diving tour operated by the Perth Diving Academy in Hillarys on March 2, but they were inadvertently abandoned by the tour boat. Their ordeal came to an end when a ferry returning from Rottnest Island spotted their distress signals and pulled them to safety. While both men were shaken by the experience, one diver was taken to the hospital for further medical evaluation.

The incident occurred approximately two to three nautical miles off Hillarys Boat Harbour, where the divers were abandoned. The Rottnest Fast Ferries crew, who were on their way back from the island, noticed the pair struggling in the water and quickly sprang into action. James Mulholland, director of Rottnest Fast Ferries, recounted how his team spotted the divers signaling for help. "It was clear they were in distress," he said, emphasizing the importance of vigilance at sea. The ferry crew’s swift response undoubtedly prevented a potentially tragic outcome.

The Incident and Initial Response

The Perth Diving Academy, which organized the tour, has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. When contacted by ABC Perth, the academy initially declined to comment, merely confirming that the divers were safe and no fatalities had occurred. This lack of transparency has raised questions about accountability and communication within the organization. While the academy has not provided details about how the divers were left behind, it is clear that a serious oversight occurred during the tour.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has since launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for AMSA stated, "Incidents involving passengers on board domestic commercial vessels must be reported to AMSA. We take the safety of passengers and crew very seriously and will not hesitate to take swift and strong action should a breach of safety regulations or procedures be identified." This response underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for thorough scrutiny of the academy’s practices.

Medical and Emotional Aftermath

Both divers were left deeply shaken by their harrowing experience. One of the men was taken to the hospital for treatment, though his condition has not been disclosed. The psychological impact of being stranded at sea for hours cannot be underestimated, and it is likely that both men will need time to recover emotionally. Their ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in water-based activities and the importance of robust safety measures.

The incident has also sparked wider discussions about the safety standards within the diving and tourism industries. While Perth Diving Academy has not publicly addressed the specifics of what went wrong, the incident has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability. Diving enthusiasts and advocates are urging operators to review their safety protocols to ensure such a incident never happens again.

Investigating the Incident: Ensuring Accountability

AMSA’s investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the divers being left behind. The authority will examine whether the Perth Diving Academy adhered to safety regulations and appropriate procedures during the tour. If any breaches are found, the academy could face penalties, including fines or the suspension of its operating license. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The broader implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate parties involved. It highlights the need for all commercial vessel operators to prioritize passenger safety and maintain stringent protocols to avoid such mishaps. For now, the focus remains on supporting the two divers and ensuring that justice and accountability are served.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Safety Protocols

While the rescue of the two divers is a testament to the quick thinking and professionalism of the Rottnest Fast Ferries crew, it also serves as a wake-up call for the entire diving and tourism industry. This incident could have ended in tragedy, and it is only through luck and the efforts of the ferry crew that it did not. Moving forward, it is imperative that operators like the Perth Diving Academy take responsibility for their actions and work to implement stronger safety measures.

The divers’ harrowing experience also serves as a reminder of the power of human resilience and the importance of community in times of crisis. The actions of the ferry crew showed compassion and heroism, and their efforts will not be forgotten. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that this incident will lead to meaningful change and safer experiences for all those who enjoy Australia’s beautiful waters.