Eight rescued as boat sinks off Dongara/Port Denison

Eight holidaymakers from Perth were rescued today after their boat sank off Dongara/Port Denison.

The three adults and five children were between one and two nautical miles south-west of the town when they noticed their vessel taking water.

They launched flares and alerted sea rescue by radio about 10am.

They were picked up soon after by a crayfishing boat and a recreational fishing boat.

Port Denison Sea Rescue Commander George Cousins, who commandeered a crayfishing boat operated by Rick Anderson, said all eight were found huddled together in the water wearing lifejackets.

He said they had been in the water for about five minutes and were safe and well.

Commander Cousins said the group were likely to try to raise the vessel as it was not in deep water.