Mackay, Australia - March 15, 2025 At about 10 pm AEDT on March 28, a desperate emergency beacon alert pierced through the night from a vessel stranded some 740 km east of Mackay, QLD. The lone rower aboard was battling monstrous conditions whipped up by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Time was ticking, and the situation looked grim. We didn’t hesitate, swinging into action by deploying two Challenger search and rescue aircraft. Initial contact was made with the rower, who was clinging to hope amid the chaos. We teamed up fast with the Australian Defence Force and the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Choules L100. The Navy ship powered through treacherous seas and, by this morning, had plucked the rower to safety. A massive thank you is due to everyone who lent a hand in this nail-biting rescue. Their quick thinking and bravery turned a potential tragedy into a triumph. This gripping tale proves one thing loud and clear: carrying an emergency beacon can be a literal lifesaver. It’s what sparked the rapid response that brought this rower back from the brink.