Christmas Miracle on the Water: Six People Rescued in Daring 24-Hour Operation as Fierce Storms Batter Victoria’s Coast
- 51-year-old woman and teenage stepson blown off course while paddleboarding in Port Phillip Bay as 60km/h winds lash the coast
- Pair found drifting 10km from launch site after three-hour search involving police air wing, rescue helicopter, and coast guard
- Four other water rescues take place across Victoria on Christmas Day, highlighting summer’s hidden dangers
- Police and lifesaving agencies issue urgent warning to boaters and paddlers to check forecasts, wear life jackets, and know their limits
In a heart-stopping drama that unfolded on Christmas Day, a 51-year-old woman and her teenage stepson were rescued from the treacherous waters of Port Phillip Bay after being blown off course while paddleboarding. The pair had set out on their new paddleboards without life jackets, despite strong winds and dangerous currents, sparking a massive search operation.
Acting Senior Sergeant Quirk described the search as a “really big, challenging” effort, involving the Victoria Police Air Wing, a rescue helicopter, and the Coast Guard. After three hours of searching, the pair was finally located drifting roughly 10km from where they had launched, mildly hypothermic but otherwise uninjured.
The family, still shaken by the ordeal, expressed their gratitude in a statement: “We are so grateful for the outcome but still trying to come to terms with how quickly a beautiful carefree afternoon turned into an almost tragedy… We are exhausted, very shaken, and feel so lucky we were able to stay together.”
Earlier in the day, rescue crews had already been called to Bass Coast, where three women were winched to safety after getting into trouble while kayaking at Coronet Bay. Another kayaker was also rescued from dangerous waters at Paynesville, highlighting the risks facing boaters and paddlers during summer.
Police are now urging Victorians to check forecasts before heading out on the water, wear life jackets, carry distress beacons, and understand their own limits. Last year, more than 1000 people had to be rescued from Victorian waterways, with 23 drowning deaths recorded.
In a stark warning, police and lifesaving agencies are reminding the public that summer’s hidden dangers can turn a fun day out into a tragedy in an instant. As the state’s waterways continue to claim lives, authorities are pleading with Victorians to take the necessary precautions to stay safe on the water.