An extraordinary rescue by Tasmanian Police officers is being recognised at the National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) Council dinner in Manly this evening.

Three crew members were rescued from the stricken fishing vessel Jensannette near Maatsukyker Island, on 4th January 2014. Today the officers involved in the rescue will receive the Australian Search and Rescue Award for outstanding contribution to Search and Rescue (SAR) and to saving lives.

The crew of the PV Van Diemen under the expert guidance of the search controller, responded to the activation of an EPIRB device, late on 3rd January 2014. After 5½ hours at sea, they arrived on scene at approximately 0430 to begin the rescue. Waves up to 12metres were recorded in the area and wind gusts were up to 70 knots (approximately 130km/h).

The PV Van Diemen crew, launched a 5.4m Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) in mountainous seas and hurricane force winds, and rescued all three fishermen in extremely difficult and perilous waters.

The Australian Search and Rescue award has been presented 15 times since its inception in 1997.

Members of Australian SAR authorities are usually acknowledged as ‘professionals doing what they are trained to do’. On this occasion, however, members of the Council strongly supported the award as the actions of the officers involved were “exceptionally noteworthy and extraordinary”.

Inspector Lee Renshaw, Sergeant John Pratt, Senior Constable Darren Leary, Constable Robert Round and Senior Constable Ben Cunningham will travel to Manly, NSW and receive their award at the NATSAR Council Dinner this evening. They will return to Hobart tomorrow.