The men decided to leave Palm Island in northern Queensland to buy beer Monday because the only liquor license on the island had been revoked the same day, the Townsville Bulletin reported. They got to the Forrest Beach Hotel safely and bought a case of beer each but got into trouble on the return trip.

They were not reported missing for more than 24 hours after they were expected back on the island, police said. Senior Sgt. Jason Jesse of the Townsville Water Police said the men told relatives they were going fishing, not buying beer.

On Tuesday, shortly before the men were reported missing, Palm Island Mayor Alfred Lacey said the closing of the Coolgaree Bay Hotel might drive islanders to making dangerous boat trips to buy liquor.

The men were located shortly after midnight Wednesday. David Ede of the Townsville Coast Guard described them as "wet and cold" and said they were bailing hard.