Local Water Police crews are reminding recreational boat users of the importance of a sound vessel maintenance plan following a close shave for several boaties off Cape Tribulation on Tuesday. 

Three men became stranded at sea after mechanical failure on a fishing trip near Cape Tribulation on Tuesday night.  

Their 5.4-metre boat's main motor had broken down and the auxilary motor had broken free of the boat and fallen into the sea.

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Relatives managed to make telephone contact with those board and it was ascertained that there were no injuries and that they were adequately equipped to remain at anchor overnight.

The boaties were eventually rescued by relatives, while the craft was towed to safety by a Port Douglas Coast Guard vessel the following morning without incident.

Senior Constable Carl Bishop from Cairns Water Police said officers were frustrated at the number of search and rescue responses that could be easily avoided if basic vessel servicing was undertaken.

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“Whilst it’s perfectly understandable that some mechanical breakdowns can’t be foreseen, search and rescue operations are often undertaken where vessels have simply run out of fuel or ceased functioning due to poor or non-existent maintenance regimes.

“Maritime search and rescue capabilities shouldn’t be considered a convenient safety net for sloppy seamanship,” he said.

Boating safety tips, as well as a trip preparation check list can be accessed here.