Seasoned Geraldton boater Ken Robinson has publicly expressed his profound gratitude to the emergency responders who rescued him after he spent approximately three hours lost at sea following a dramatic fall overboard last week. The 61-year-old credits his survival to maintaining remarkable calm and adopting a unique floating technique he describes as "like a jellyfish."
A Sudden Accident at Sea
Mr Robinson's ordeal began last Thursday morning when he took his boat out alone from the Geraldton coast around 7:30 am. In what he calls a "genuine accident," he lost his balance due to wind and ocean conditions while on deck. As he fell into the water, his foot accidentally knocked the boat's motor into reverse gear, sending the vessel drifting away from him.
"Because I knew I was in neutral and idle rather than fall on to the boat, I fell into the water," Mr Robinson explained to local media. "As I fell, my toe flipped the motor into reverse. I was not going to be able to swim fast enough to catch it with the wind."
Calm Survival Strategy
Despite finding himself stranded in open water, Mr Robinson demonstrated exceptional composure. After initially struggling to climb onto nearby buoys for safety, he decided to conserve energy by relaxing completely in the water.
"The worst thing anyone can do is panic. Float and found, panic and perish," he emphasized, sharing the wisdom that guided him through the harrowing experience.
His jellyfish-like floating technique proved crucial as he waited for rescue, with Mr Robinson noting that his extensive boating background and knowledge provided him with a significant advantage in the stressful situation.
Complex Rescue Operation
Authorities became concerned when Mr Robinson's vessel was discovered unaccompanied and adrift at 11:15 am, triggering a substantial multi-agency search operation. The rescue effort involved two Marine Rescue boats, a Mid West Port Authority vessel, along with support from local police, water police, and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.
Marine rescue volunteers successfully located and retrieved Mr Robinson from Chapman Bay waters at approximately 2:25 pm. Rescuers confirmed he had been wearing a lifejacket when he fell overboard and that his boat contained adequate safety equipment, though it proved inaccessible once the vessel drifted away.
Recovery and Reflection
Following his retrieval from the water, Mr Robinson was transported to Geraldton Health Campus where medical staff treated him for hypothermia. Fortunately, he sustained no serious injuries and remained in stable condition throughout his recovery.
Just six days after the incident, Mr Robinson made a point of publicly acknowledging the emergency personnel who saved his life. "I relaxed even more if that was possible and let the people that knew their job do their job and that's why I'm here today," he stated gratefully.
He specifically emphasized his appreciation for the often-unsung efforts of frontline responders: "I want to thank every person that was physically involved in that process, because I know that the people on the ground don't hear the word thank you often enough."
Mr Robinson's confidence that he would eventually be found stemmed from his familiarity with the Geraldton area, which he described as the most populous location where he has lived and regularly taken his boat out. His story serves as both a testament to the importance of emergency response services and a powerful reminder about maintaining composure in dangerous maritime situations.
