The benefits of having an EPIRB have once again come to light, aiding in the rescue of three Queensland fishermen over the weekend.

Two men and a 14 year-old boy were fishing off the south-east Queensland coast when a huge wave capsized their vessel, leaving the group in the water, clinging to their Boat, for 3 hours. Only one was wearing a life Jacket. Good thing, though, that they had an EPIRB – which they had almost left at home!

Skipper Jay Robinson sent up a Flare and activated the beacon, resulting in their rescue by police helicopter and the team from Bribie Island Volunteer Marine Rescue.

"I was on top of the Boat with my phone in my mouth, the EPIRB under my arm, I've dislocated my knee, hanging on to my friends," said Mr Robinson. "(The EPIRB) saved my life. If I didn't set that EPIRB off, I wouldn't have got through on the phone because it cut out after a couple of calls."

Once back on land, the three were treated for hypothermia. It just goes to show how essential an EPIRB actually is.

We currently have some great deals on our EPIRBs, with the GME MT600G 406MHz available - a manually activated EPIRB that incorporates a 16 Channel GPS Receiver, which will transmit the beacon’s Latitude and Longitude in event of an emergency, as well as the identification of the owner.

Our GME MT600G are selling for $289 - save $60 off the recommended retail price!

So why wait - get in touch with us at CH Smith Marine and organise your EPIRB today!