Four men are expressing relief after a harrowing ordeal that left them stranded on the ocean, gripping their capsized boat off the coast of Perth.
The incident unfolded when a powerful swell overturned their 5.7-metre aluminum cruiser, tossing the men into the choppy waters near Hillarys around 6 p.m. local time yesterday.
Responding to their distress call, Rotto Fast Ferries altered its course. Skipper Ryan Poolman, with nearly 400 passengers on board, skillfully navigated the vessel to the scene.
Upon arrival, the crew quickly located the overturned boat and helped the stranded men to safety on the ferry.
“They definitely looked shocked,” Poolman recounted, reflecting on the rescue. “One young guy, in particular, seemed to be hanging on for dear life. I heard they had been in the water for about 45 minutes.”
“There was a young lad, you could tell he was clinging on for dear life, I heard they were in the water for 45 minutes.”
The men, aged between 19 and 50, were treated by St John Ambulance for minor injuries.
The family of one man told 9News the group was left shaken by the incident.
“They would like to sincerely thank the emergency services and first responders for their swift response,” the family said.
Poolman said he gave one of the younger men a hug after the incident.
“I was like dude, you’re fine, he was really sad.Â
“I was like, ‘come here and give us a hug’.”
