Two teenage boys have been reunited with the Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) volunteers who helped save their lives earlier this month.
Just after 10.30am on 1 February, Dan Horan was spending the day on the water with his son Hudson, and Hudson’s friend Tanner, when the two boys were stung by Irukandji jellyfish, while swimming near Cape Upstart.
The boys needed urgent medical attention, but they were out of mobile service, so Dan used the boat’s radio to call MRQ directly.
Senior Radio Operator Dawn Ordorica answered the call and immediately contacted the on-call duty officer Paul Quagliata, who dialled Triple Zero.
Paul remained in constant contact with Dan during the 25-minute return trip to the nearest boat ramp; providing direction and ensuring the trio had clear access, before they were met by the emergency services.
On Thursday, 12 February, the three boaties returned to the MRQ Burdekin unit, to thank Paul and Dawn for their help.
Dan said he would always be grateful for their life-saving actions.
“As soon as I heard Dawn’s voice on the radio, I knew that I had contact and I knew that she’d be able to organise a Triple Zero call,” he said.
Paul estimated that it was less than seven minutes between the radio call coming through to Dawn, and emergency services being dispatched, and said the incident served as a timely reminder for boaties to make sure they have a radio and spare batteries.
“Without mobile phone coverage, his options were quite limited,” Paul said.
He said the opportunity to reunite with Dan, Hudson and Tanner, was extremely special.
“Quite often we don’t hear the outcomes, we just do that initial response.
“It was unreal; to see the boys, they’re good again, they’ve come out the other side, and knowing that’s from early intervention and getting the care they needed quickly, it’s really good to see today,” Paul said.
Dawn said the incident shows the importance of ensuring boats are fitted with safety equipment.
“Make sure your gear is all up to date, and easy to get to,” she said.
Boaties are reminded to exercise safety precautions, by logging on and off with local Marine Rescue units, and to use VHF Channel 80 in an emergency.
For more information, visit www.mrq.qld.gov.au
