Adults, children survive NT boat capsize

Twenty-one people, including children as young as five, have survived a boat capsize off the Northern Territory coast.

Police were called to Elcho Island, east of Darwin, on Wednesday afternoon after reports of a boat sinking.

They found the four-metre vessel partially submerged about 80 metres from shore.

The occupants all managed to make it to shore, with adults making a number of trips to aid children who were clinging to the hull.

Police said enquiries had confirmed there were no life jackets, no emergency beacon, no flares or any other safety equipment on board.

"Had the vessel sunk further from shore, it would likely have resulted in significant loss of life," Senior Sergeant Daniel Whitfield-Jones said.