Heavy seas and high winds are thought to be the cause for a 22m fishing charter vessel rolling over with 21 people aboard on a Queensland reef early yesterday.
It is believed 17 passengers and four crew were forced into life rafts when their boat overturned about 7am at Swain's Reef.
An emergency beacon was activated, alerting authorities, and police.
Three nearby fishing trawlers, three emergency helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft were mobilised to rescue the survivors, who had been in the water for several hours by the time help arrived.
By 8am, they had boarded the fishing trawler Impulse, which then rendezvoused with water police.
Skipper Clive Hunt, who has a prosthetic leg, said the conditions were "absolutely terrifying like a cyclone".
"It was an unpredictable bluster that hit hard and fast at 4.30 in the morning," Mr Hunt said.
"Before we knew it we were on the reef and we were sending out Maydays."
Bell Cay Charters and other operators run frequent trips to Swains Reef, which is a well-known fishing spot.
The $750,000 boat had been rebuilt in 1999, had a "full, out-of-water survey" in December and was licensed to carry 22 passengers.
Source: www.theaustralian.com.au
