Chopper looks for distress signal
UPDATED, 2.45pm:
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter crews have been unable to locate an emergency beacon activated near the Gold Coast.
They have now returned to base in Lismore.
INITIAL REPORT:
WESTPAC Life Saver Rescue Helicopter is helping look for an emergency beacon activated in the Gold Coast area.
The chopper went up about 9.10am to assist Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR) authorities in finding the beacon.
AusSAR is a national body which coordinates search and rescue activities and specialises in the quick detection of distress signals with the aim of saving lives.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, Emergency Locator Transmitters and Personal Locator Beacons are the prime source of distress alerts.
AusSAR then uses satellites to help locate people.
No further details on the Gold Coast signal are available as the search is still underway.
