Rottnest ferry rescues divers ‘stranded’ by tour boat off WA coast​on March 12, 2025 at 1:13 am

Two scuba divers have been rescued by a ferry returning from Rottnest Island after they were unintentionally left stranded for hours by a tour boat.

The two men were allegedly left behind during an organised diving tour by Perth Diving Academy in Hillarys on March 2, ABC Perth reported.

The men, who were experienced divers, were left two to three nautical miles off the coast and were stranded for hours before being picked up by Rottnest Fast Ferries.

Both were shaken by the ordeal and one of the men was later taken to hospital.

Ferries director James Mulholland told the ABC his crew had spotted the pair signalling from the water as they returned from the island.

Perth Diving Academy initially refused to answer the ABC’s questions, but confirmed the men were safe and no one had died, and was not willing to discuss the incident further.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority could not provide any details but confirmed it was aware of and investigating the incident.

“Incidents involving passengers on board domestic commercial vessels must be reported to AMSA,” a spokesperson said.

“AMSA takes the safety of passengers and crew very seriously and will not hesitate to take swift and strong action should a breach of safety regulations or procedures be identified.”

The outcomes of any investigation could take months before being resolved.

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