At about 5.30pm today (Monday 9 October 2017), police were notified via 000 of a fishing vessel on fire in the Hope Channel, to the south of Three Hummock Island.

The fire started in the wheelhouse of fishing vessel ‘Japara’ and quickly spread to the galley.  After attempts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, a decision was made to deploy the life-raft and abandon ship. All four crew members on-board were able to safely make their way to shore where the managers of the Three Hummock Island Accommodation provided assistance.

All four men suffered smoke inhalation and other minor injuries.  The Westpac Police Rescue helicopter was tasked to attend the island, collect the men and take them to the North West Regional Hospital for assessment.

The extent of the damage to the vessel is unknown at this stage.   Members of Western Marine Services will attend its location tomorrow.

There are no suspicious circumstances.