Four men, including an 87-year-old, have survived after clinging to their overturned boat for hours in shark and crocodile infested waters off central Queensland.
The fishermen were returning from Little Broadhurst Reef, approximately 50 nautical miles north-east of Townsville, when their boat capsized in rough conditions around 4pm.
Police were notified that the men were missing around 11pm and launched a search but couldn't find them or their boat.
Police say the group clung to the hull as the boat drifted closer to Point Cleveland, south of Townsville, throughout the evening.
After making several attempts to swim down and activate an emergency safety beacon, two of the men decided to try to swim to shore.
"Two of the younger people on onboard swam to shore in an attempt to go up to the lighthouse and raise the alarm," Water Police Sergeant Matt Pegg said.
"Unfortunately the lighthouse was unmanned, and in the meantime... the boat has continued to drift in and hit the rocks and the two older gents managed to scramble ashore."
The men remained together on the coastline until they were found by authorities around 7am and reunited with their families.
"They've been through a pretty traumatic experience," Sergeant Pegg said.
"There were obvious signs of shock this morning when they were picked up and brought back here and when they were reunited with their families they were extremely happy to be where they were."
"I think the marine life situation was on their mind because they had been out there fishing for the day."
The 87-year-old man was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
"He was in reasonably good spirits," Sergeant Pegg said.
"There were some cuts and scratches that probably would become a little bit significant if they weren't treated."
Water Police say the story is a good reminder for boaties to check the safety equipment is up to date and accessible before they go out on the water.
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