A relieved stranded boatie has been located off the coast of Elliott Heads after activating an emergency distress beacon this afternoon.
The Bundaberg-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue chopper was called in to assist with the search by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority just before 4pm.
Shortly after arriving at the search area, the rescue crew located a 4.8 metre alloy tinnie with one man on board.
The helicopter was able to hover close to the vessel to confirm its registration and make sure the boatie was safe.
He told rescuers he'd run out fuel and spent some time drifting before activating the beacon.
The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue crew notified Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) personnel on the ground, and monitored the boat until the rescue vessel arrived.
It's understood VMR then towed the tinnie into shore.
It's been a busy few days for the marine rescue volunteers, who had a long mission to Fraser Island on Saturday.
2018 was a record year for LifeFlight for lifesaving missions with its aeromedical crews, community helicopters and Air Ambulance jets performing a record 5724 missions throughout Queensland and around the world.
LifeFlight is a community-based charity funded and supported by the LifeFlight Foundation.
