Squall grounds boat, two trapped

A MIDDLE-AGED couple are safe and well after a terrifying night at sea.

The couple, one of whom is mobility-impaired, issued a 'mayday' alert just after midnight last night when their boat struck aground near North Reef.

Sergeant Jeff Barnett of the Gladstone Water Police said the pair ran into trouble due to adverse weather conditions.

"They were anchored near North Reef when a squall passed through. Increasing winds, as well as a change in wind direction, cause their boat to run aground," he said. "They were unable to get off the vessel."

Local charter boat 'Knibla' was nearby at the time and tried to go to assist, but the conditions were so bad they were unable to locate the pair.

"It was that windy and rainy, they said they couldn't even see the boat," Sgt. Barnett said.

Gladstone Water Police waited until such a time when they were able to access the boat, and then were able to bring both passengers to safety.

"Luckily, they were aboard a steel-hulled vessel, which is what saved them," Sgt. Barnett said. "What could have been a disaster turned out to be okay in the end."

"They're safe and well and now have headed off with their little doggie down the coast."

Sgt. Barnett urged seafarers to check local weather conditions before heading out to sea.