Two Brisbane fishermen are being celebrated as heroes after a daring rescue operation in shark-infested waters off Moreton Bay over the weekend. Sam Hortz and Robbie Angel were out fishing separately when they spotted a capsized boat surrounded by sharks, leading to a frantic and life-saving intervention.
A Hectic Scene Unfolds on the Water
In footage capturing the dramatic moment, one of the fishermen can be heard describing the scene as "hectic". The duo acted swiftly upon noticing three men struggling in the water, pulling them quickly to safety. Speaking on Sunrise on Tuesday, Hortz credited Robbie for being first on the scene, stating, "All credit to Robbie first. He was first on site. I was travelling behind him. To be honest, we just all went in shock."
Risky Maneuvers and Shark Threats
While Angel focused on rescuing the men, Hortz attempted to save the capsized vessel by hooking it to his boat. However, the weight and water pressure began pulling his boat under, forcing him to cut it free. "The pressure of the water and the weight of that boat was starting to pull my boat under, so I had to cut it free. It was just unsafe for me to hang onto that boat anymore," he explained.
It is believed several bull sharks were actively circling the boats during the rescue operation. Hortz noted, "They're very, very lucky," adding that the predators were "jumping out of the water around our boat while this was all happening." He also mentioned that sharks are becoming increasingly common around fishing spots in the area, with the pair often struggling to even "get a fish to the boat."
Aftermath and Gratitude
The rescued men have since reached out to their saviours, offering to drop off some beers as a token of appreciation. Hortz said they were "pretty shook up," emphasising that one more minute in the water could have ended in tragedy. This incident highlights the bravery and quick thinking required in such perilous situations.
Context: A Spike in Shark Attacks
This rescue comes amid a spate of shark attacks in New South Wales earlier this month, underscoring the dangers of Australian waters. Key incidents include:
- A 12-year-old boy was fatally bitten by a suspected bull shark in Sydney Harbour on January 18.
- The next day, an 11-year-old narrowly escaped injury when a shark took a large chunk out of his surfboard at Dee Why Point.
- Later the same day, 27-year-old surfer Andre de Ruyter was dragged underwater during a shark attack at Manly Beach, pulled unconscious from the water by fellow surfers and rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital in critical condition.
- Less than 24 hours later, 39-year-old surfer Paul Zvirzdinas was reportedly bitten by an "animal" while in the water at Point Plomer Beach, south of Crescent Head, managing to drive himself to Kempsey District Hospital before being discharged.
These events serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with marine activities in Australia, making the heroic actions of Hortz and Angel all the more significant in preventing further tragedy.
