People visiting Queensland, Australia, may consider buying
worldwide travel insurance after a water police officer was honoured for his part in a daring backpacker rescue.
According to a report from AAP, senior constable Brett Norris was given a silver bravery medal for helping to rescue nearly 40 backpackers and crew from a yacht in February 2008.
When the yacht ran aground in terrible weather conditions off the Queensland coast in the early hours of the morning, senior constable Norris swam to the boat when rescue vessels found they could not get closer.
Senior constable Norris told the new agency: "After realising we weren't getting anywhere with our vessel, I donned wetsuit and fins and swam approximately 75 metres out to the island."
All the crew and passengers were then winched to the rescue helicopter once the wrecked yacht has been secured in place.
The officer added that it was the biggest operation of his 22-year career.
People taking boat trips off the Australian coast could be inspired to seek
gap year travel insurance.
Many tourists head to Queensland to visit the Great Barrier Reef.
Check out Downunder's quote engine for
cheap travel insurance to Oz.
