Presentation of Australia Day Council's certificate of participation

15/5/95

Sixteen people today were recognised for their efforts in saving the life of a four-year-old girl who was trapped under the hull of an overturned cabin cruiser on the Swan River.

Police Minister Bob Wiese said the group, which consisted of police officers, firefighters and two members of the public, had shown tremendous courage under the most difficult circumstances.

Mr Wiese was presenting the Australia Day Council's certificate of participation for the rescue of Jamee Lee Cottrell, who was caught in an air pocket when an eight-metre vessel capsized near Pelican Point on Australia Day, (January 26) this year.

"It was an incredible team effort of courage and support by a group of people who worked together to save another person's life," Mr Wiese said.

Under the most atrocious conditions they accomplished the impossible.

The vessel was heading down river just after 10 pm after those on board had viewed the fireworks display.  Suddenly the wake from other craft flipped the cabin cruiser over.

Despite the frantic attempts by her parents and their friends to rescue her, Jamee Lee Cottrell remained trapped under the vessel.

A police vessel arrived and police and firefighters worked together to free the little girl.  This involved a police officer using WAFBB breathing apparatus which was not designed for underwater use.

"It was a rescue which epitomised the whole meaning of Australia Day - when a group of people band together to overcome difficulties and triumph magnificently," Mr Wiese said.

Media contact: Mark Thompson 222 9595