MARITIME

20 April 2023: An Island off the Coast of Australia

Eleven fishermen from two boats were rescued after being stranded on an island for six days without food or water. Eight others were missing. Two boats were swept up by the Category 5 storm, Cyclone Isla, which had wind gusts reaching up to a reported record of 180 miles per hour. According to The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the 11 survivors of the Express 1 and Putri Jaya spent six days without water and food before being rescued. The Australian Border Force released a statement that said, “This incident highlights the dangers of undertaking journeys in small boats unsuited to rough seas and adverse weather events, both of which are common in Australia’s northern waters.”