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Posted by Dale Crisp
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27 May, 2026
A HONG KONG-registered bulk carrier, enroute from Hay Point to Bayuquan, China with coal has rescued beings from a distressed small craft, guided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
AMSA coordinated the successful search and rescue operation yesterday evening [26 May] following the detection of an unregistered emergency beacon about 139km northeast of Airlie Beach, Queensland.
A 9-metre fishing vessel was identified via tracking systems operating in the same vicinity. At 1930 (AEST) AMSA tasked the Essendon-based Challenger rescue aircraft to investigate and requested the gearless bulk carrier, Flourish Power (95,379 DWT) to divert and provide assistance.
The Challenger aircraft arrived on scene and found a life raft carrying two people and a dog at 0012 this morning. The crew of Flourish Power successfully recovered all three approximately one hour later, from the life raft. The people and the dog have now been transferred ashore by pilot transfer helicopter with the Reef Pilot that was on board Flourish Power.
“This incident highlights the value of emergency beacons in supporting timely search and rescue efforts,” the Authority said.
“While this beacon was not registered, the alert helped AMSA quickly identify a potential distress situation and coordinate a response. Keeping beacon registration details up to date can further assist responders with important information in an emergency.
“AMSA acknowledges the swift response and cooperation of the crew of Flourish Power and the Reef Pilot in ensuring a safe outcome.”
The 2010-built Flourish Power, originally Hebei Cangzhou of Hebei Ocean Shipping Co, PRC, is registered to Flourish Power Ltd of Hong Kong, with management since 2014 by Golden Lion Shipping Co Ltd of the same address. It took its current name in 2019.
