TEN incorrectly disposed distress beacons were found in a rubbish bin in Elderslie, NSW, this week after one of the beacons sparked a search and rescue effort. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority tasked the Westpac Lifesaver rescue helicopter from La Perouse around midday on Monday, September 18, after receiving a report from an aircraft that a beacon signal was heard in the Camden area. The helicopter crew homed the signal to a rubbish bin in suburban Elderslie, where they made the discovery. Every year, vital search and rescue resources are wasted chasing inadvertent activations from incorrectly disposed beacons. Beacons don’t belong in the bin. For info on how to dispose of your unwanted beacon, visit amsa.gov.au/beacons.
