Whale lands on fishers’ boat
N Humpbacks make up the majority of whales heading north at this time of year. Photo: Mike Doherty
As well as injuring the men, the whale caused significant damage to the boat. Photo: NSW Police
ICK Myhill and his stepfather Matt Price were fishing about 500m from Narooma on the south coast of NSW, when a whale breached the water and crashed on their small vessel. Both men were rushed to hospital where Mr Myhill remained in a coma for 10 days, suffering a broken back and serious head injuries. According to family, Mr Myhill is “alive, awake and responsive, which is absolutely amazing considering what he has been through.” Mr Price’s quick thinking and actions saved his stepson’s life – by issuing a mayday call to Marine Rescue NSW and managing to get the boat back to the Narooma boat ramp, they were met
by paramedics. One of the first people on the scene, Francois van Zyl said the boat was severely damaged in the incident and he didn’t know how the skipper managed to navigate it back to shore. “There was a large portion of the actual top of the console that looked like it was badly damaged,” Mr van Zyl said. “They were very fortunate to get the vessel back. “It blows my mind.” Former Montague Island charter operator John Moore said the accident was very unusual. “Whales are incredibly intelligent and very aware of the areas around them,” Mr Moore said. “From my experience, it’s been a case of larger boats hitting whales and
runabouts all look the same.” Mr McDonald said, though a coincidence, launching the career of Oyster Catcher was a fitting way to celebrate the distinguished 40-year career of Southport-based QBFP officer Mark Saul. “Since joining the QBFP in 1981, when it was under the banner of Harbours and Marine, and brown uniforms were the order of the day, Mark has made a truly exceptional contribution,” Mr McDonald said. “Without doubt, Mark’s greatest contribution has been his ongoing development and stewardship of the Marine Animal Rescue Team for the past
two decades. “Mark’s tireless efforts have seen the MART program and its members achieve national recognition as leaders in the field, thanks largely to his efforts to ensure the team remains professional, relevant, highly skilled and safe at all times, while responding to marine animals in distress.
not large whales hitting small boats. “It’s incredibly rare for a whale to breach and land on top of a boat.” Authorities believe the whale may have been injured in the collision and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and ORRCA will provide assistance if they can. The size and species of the animal are not known, but the majority of whales heading north at this time of year are humpbacks. Anyone who sees a stranded, entangled or distressed whale is urged to contact NPWS on 1300 072 757. Experts believe the population of humpback whales are on the rise and that could lead to more encounters with fishers.
QBFP launches a new patrol boat
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N a twin celebration, Queensland’s Boating and Fisheries Patrol has launched a new patrol boat and honoured a veteran officer’s long and distinguished career with the service. QBFP south coast district manager Rob McDonald said the Oyster Catcher had joined the QBFP’s fleet as part of a vessel replacement program, as veteran officer Mark Saul celebrated 40 years in the job. “Named after the well-known shorebird, the Oyster Catcher joins QBFP’s 19-strong fleet of 4.3m Quintrex runabouts, which are ideally suited to the important work they perform in
helping QBFP officers make sure fishers are doing the right thing and following the rules,” Mr McDonald said. “Operating out of the QBFP’s south coast region, the boat’s name recognises that oystercatchers, just like QBFP patrol officers, are found along the east coast of Queensland. “Additionally, nearly all species of oystercatcher are often seen in pairs, just like patrol officers who generally work with one partner at any one time. “And just like the different species of oystercatcher, which show little variation in shape or appearance, the QBFP’s fleet of 4.3m Quintrex
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“Mark has also contributed to the patrol’s workplace health and safety program, is a valued mentor, and helps to build a healthy culture as the QBFP’s official Social Club barbecue cook. “Celebrating a ruby anniversary is a truly special achievement and one which Mark can be justifiably proud of.”
Queensland’s Boating and Fisheries Patrol has launched a new patrol boat Oyster Catcher. www.bnbfishing.com. au