LATEST NEWS

Carnarvon Search

Friday Update 

In relation to the marine search and rescue operation near Carnarvon, here the latest update (as at 8:30am 14/06/13)

• Due to poor weather conditions the air search and sea search components of the search have been temporarily suspended. This decision took into account the safety of those involved in the search.
• The weather conditions are being closely monitored at the scene and a review will take place mid-morning to determine if it is safe to commence air and sea based searches.
• Police Officers and State Emergency Service volunteers are continuing with land based search and observation activities, however some areas have been deemed off-limits due to the increased risk posed by the adverse weather conditions.

We will continue to provide updates. All media calls are to be directed to Police Media Unit to allow those involved in the coordination of the search to focus on their search operations.

Update at 16.00 Thursday

In relation to the Marine Search and Rescue operation near Carnarvon, the following is the latest update (as at 5:30pm 13/06/13) 

Search operations have ceased for this evening.

The search will continue tomorrow morning (14/06/13)

Resources deployed will include:

• Police Officers
• Search plane with two State Emergency Service volunteers on board (air observers)
• A team of six State Emergency Service volunteers undertaking a cliff search
• At least one Volunteer Marine Rescue Service vessel

 Original Report

A MAJOR search has resumed this morning for a missing man who was swept off rocks near Carnarvon, about 1000km north of Perth, yesterday.    The man, believed to be a Malaysian tourist in his late 30s, went missing yesterday morning.  Police say the man fell into the ocean from rocks about 1km north of the Blowholes Road intersection near Quobba Station, which is about 80km north of Carnarvon.  A Carnarvon police officer said the men had ignored signs warning that the coast was dangerous, highlighting three deaths at the Blowholes, and had climbed down to a lower ledge to go fishing.  It is believed the man was swept into the sea by a large wave.  Local police officers, SES Volunteers and marine rescue volunteers, police airwing and water police have resumed searching for the man today.

In relation to the incident near Albany (original Report Sunday)

• About 1:50pm Sunday afternoon Police were called to Cheynes
  Beach (about 50km east of Albany) in relation to a 15 year old boy who had
  become unresponsive in the water.
• At first he had not resurfaced, but his body was then
  seen floating in the water.
• He was taken to shore where CPR was administered for
  about 45 minutes, however tragically he was unable to be revived.
• Due to the location of the incident a specialist rescue
  team from the State Emergency Service (volunteers from Albany) is assisting to
  recover the boy's body, however their efforts are being hampered by bad weather
  conditions.
• The boy was at the beach with his family.
• A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

This Morning SES Volunteers from the Albany SES Unit will recovery the body

Recognition for Volunteers

May was a month for recognition of the State Emergency Service, especially those in Gosnells.  At the beginning of the month Perth was introduced to a severe storm warning. This was an ideal opportunity for the Gosnells SES to work with the City of Gosnells to deploy a variable message sign trailer to warn residents of the pending storm. This trailer was acquired through a federal disaster mitigation funding.

This message to the community was quite timely. The following week was Storm Awareness Week and was prompted by State Emergency Service volunteers across WA this week.   Coincidently this week is also National Volunteer Week.  The same week was also National Volunteer Week. This is important for all emergency service volunteers, as many of the functions that are performed by the volunteers away from the general public.

The City of Gosnells assisted with celebrating National Volunteer Week by putting on a thank you event for the volunteers and their families. Late in the afternoon activities including face painting and bouncy castle were provided for the children. After a pleasant meal, the Mayor of Gosnells recognised the contribution of the volunteers, presenting appreciation certificates to 8 SES volunteers for a combined160 years to the Gosnells community. A Superintendent of DFES then presented a National Medal and SES Long Service clasps to 3 volunteers for their combined 100 years emergency service.

“Between May and October each year, storms can bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding and storm surge to southern parts of Western Australia including the metropolitan area”, said Paul Hollamby, Local Manager. “Severe storms can include thunder, lightning, hail, flash flooding, tornados and gale force winds, and the best way to protect your home, family and business from these elements is to be prepared.”

It is worth remembering that volunteers would not be able to make this commitment without the support of their families and employers.  The SES train regularly to be able to combat many types of natural and man-made disasters.  Training with the SES is open to men and women, of all ages over 18. Contact the Gosnells SES on 9459 8015 to find out more about becoming a volunteer.