A Life Saving Cooler
By M.-L.
@MALUSE (69413)
Germany
February 4, 2023 11:32am CST
Three Australian fishermen were fishing in the waters off Albany when their boat got a leak, filled with water, capsized and sank.
They were able to keep their heads above water because they had life jackets on and were able to cling to an ice chest, a blue cooler, that was floating past. This wasn't easy in the choppy water, of course.
The news about this event does not mention for how long they stayed in the water until they were spotted by a helicopter and rescued. This was possible because they had a battery-powered device with them that transmitted a continuous distress call which AMSA (Australia Maritime Safety Authority) picked up.
There is no mention of sharks which is usually the case when one reads something about the waters around Australia.
From now on you'll look at your cooler - in case you've got one for a picnic in the mountains or at the seaside - with different eyes! Be nice to it and treat it well, it may save your life in case of emergency. :-)
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A Thank You! goes to the member @LadyDuck who helped me with the photo.
18 people like this
16 responses
@snowy22315 (169940)
• United States
4 Feb 23
I have heard of people being saved by coolers before. They are very handy to have around apparently.
3 people like this
@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
4 Feb 23
Indeed! For me this story is a first. I used to live on the bank of one of the big rivers in Germany, but coolers weren't invented then yet.
Once, when I fell into the river because I had got into my canoe the wrong way, it happened at a marina and two young men pulled me out.
2 people like this
@marguicha (215405)
• Chile
4 Feb 23
Impressive! They not only were lucky but they were also witty.
3 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
• United States
6 Feb 23
How lucky those fishermen were able to hold onto that cooler until they were rescued.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (57636)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4 Feb 23
I'm glad to know they were rescued, and the cooler actually helped them stay afloat.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (15732)
• Raurkela, India
5 Feb 23
That's a story where God, luck, ready wit saved the fishermen.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (156085)
• United States
6 Feb 23
That's a scary story, especially is Australian waters! I'm glad they had a gadget for a distress call.
2 people like this
