Aerorescue (AMSA) Dornier 328-100 VH-PPV at Rockhampton Airport Thursday - Plus VH-PPJ over CQ on Wednesday Evening

A cruise boat fire off Gladstone late on Wednesday 11 May saw Aerorescue (AMSA - Australian Maritime Safety Authority) Dornier 328-100 VH-PPJ "Rescue 471" fly North from Brisbane and conduct operations out to sea as the rescue of all the passengers was taking place.

I also believe that Bundaberg-based Careflight / SCHRS Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-EHQ "Rescue 522" may have also been involved in the rescue operation late on Wednesday 11 May.

Then early on Thursday 12 May, fellow Aerorescue (AMSA - Australian Maritime Safety Authority) Dornier 328-100 VH-PPV "Rescue 441" was noted flying South from Cairns to also complete operations over the boat fire area.

VH-PPV was then noted landing at Rockhampton Airport where it appeared to take on fuel.  It then returned out to sea before being noted later returning North to Cairns.

VH-PPV at Rockhampton Airport on a previous visit  (File photo)

It also appears that the Rockhampton-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) Bell 412EP VH-EPR "Rescue 300" was also involved with a winch retrieval task out to sea early on Thursday 12 May and so the appearance of VH-PPV around the area might have also been involved with this.