Whale sinks boat off WA coast

Picture: Kristin Anderson

Three men were rescued off Exmouth early this morning after a whale sank their 14-metre boat.

The crew, who were travelling from Port Sampson home to Geraldton, spent four hours in rough seas before they were found.

The men, aged 23, 48 and 50, arrived at Exmouth this morning and walked from the rescue vessel. They appeared in a good spirits, according to a witness.

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A police spokesman said that about 11.30pm the wooden recreational vessel struck trouble about 8km west of Exmouth Peninsula.

The crew broadcast a mayday and activated their EPIRB.

Picture: Kristin Anderson

One of the men could not swim and the three roped themselves together.

Police Rescue, Volunteer Rescue and merchant shipping were alerted and the men were picked up by a passing BHP supply boat, the Pacific Wrangler.

They were assessed at Exmouth Hospital and have left without commenting about their rescue or their ordeal.

WA Water Police officer-in-charge Sen.Sgt Greg Trew said that initially a tanker, the Eagle Corona, located the men but couldn't get close enough to safely pull them aboard.

Sen. Sgt Trew said the men were very fortunate given the rough conditions.

Picture: Kristin Anderson