Search for man and boy missing in inflatable boat near Ningaloo Reef off WA's Pilbara coast
Updated
A major search and rescue operation is underway for a boy and a man missing off Western Australia's Pilbara coast near Ningaloo Station.
Rescue crews are trying to find the pair, aged 12 and 18, who are on a three-metre inflatable zodiac.
Police Media Sergeant Alice Cockram said the alarm was raised last night.
"It was reported that a three-metre inflatable zodiac left South Lefroy Bay at approximately 4:00pm yesterday," she said.
"They intended to travel south-east inside the reef towards Norwegian Bay and were due back at 6:00pm, however they did not return."
Water Police are co-ordinating the search operation.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has sent up a jet aircraft and three helicopters to help look for the pair.
Six volunteer marine rescue and government boats, and 12 recreational vessels are also taking part in the search which is covering an area of about 240 square nautical miles.
Topics: emergency-incidents, police, ningaloo-6701
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