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Couple stranded in 'tinnie' overnight

Kaitlyn OfferPerthNow

A COUPLE were stranded in their tin boat in Broome's mud plain and mangroves overnight.

The man and woman were rescued this morning after spending the night in their four-metre boat in the Dampier Creek.

A low tide left the boaters, who were crabbing, stuck in the mud plain about 4pm yesterday.

The couple, aged in their 50s, decided to stay in the boat and wait for the next high tide, but eventually needed police help.

Officers were alerted to the situation and since the couple had food and water with them it was decided to wait and see if the higher tide would free them.

Just before 6am, officers made the decision that the pair would need to be rescued after little change in tidal movements.

A land search and rescue operation with State Emergency Service volunteers was called and the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service alerted, however they were unable to assist due to the level of the tide.

Just after 7.30am SES volunteers in two four-wheel-drive vehicles set off along the creek bed, in thick mangroves, scrub and mud, getting within 200m of the boaters.

However, the terrain forced volunteers to abandon their vehicles and search on foot, locating the missing pair at 9am.

The couple was taken to the Broome Police Station in good health, and they did not require medical assistance.

Police said the fast rescue was attributed to the couple being well prepared, with a mobile phone, GPS and other emergency equipment in their possession, so they were able to notify and assist authorities.