THE efforts of three Redland Bay Coast Guard volunteers to help three people thrown overboard during ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie have been recognised.
Redland Bay Coast Guard Commander Jason Boon said the incident at Logan River was two years ago but remained fresh in his memory.
Three people had been thrown overboard a vessel capsized in the murky depths of Logan River.
Mr Boon said he and others in the Coast Guard team on-call that day had done reconnaissance of the river in preparation for such emergencies.
The river's mouth was just five nautical miles away, however gushing waters, large debris floating by and showers complicated the rescue.
"Water tanks, pontoons, trees, boats and other debris flooded out of the Albert and Logan Rivers, suffering from the worst flooding since 1974," Mr Boon said.
"Water speed in the river was estimated approximate 10 to 15 knots of flow at different parts of the river, worsening further upstream."
Mr Boon, who skippered the boat, said he and volunteers Salli Chapman and Allan Bell quickly ventured out after receiving the mayday call, saving two of the three overboard crew within 22 minutes.
The Coast Guard rescue team had not known the exact location of the capsized vessel but went out to search.
"Fearing for their lives, the call received was brief and didn't provide a definitive position," Mr Boon said.
Mr Boon said one person had gripped onto the capsized boat's upturned hull. The other two had been swept downstream the river.
"One managed to swim across the currents, over to an island in the middle of the river," Mr Boon said.
"The other crew member was located, stranded waist deep on a shallow bank in the middle of the river.
"Water Police arrived on scene and took the final member ... an amazing response and show of skill and bravery from the water police and volunteers."
Mr Boon, Ms Chapman and Mr Bell were awarded certificates of appreciation by Assistant Commissioner Peter Crawford on behalf of Queensland Police Service Commissioner Ian Stewart last month at an awards ceremony.
Mr Boon said Coast Guard also acknowledged the trio's bravery and the ongoing selfless efforts of other volunteers, including those based at Volunteer Marine Rescue and Redlands State Emergency Service.
