Two sailors rescued from yacht in distress off NSW coast
Coordinated Maritime Rescue Effort Ensures Safe Return of Yacht Crew
On Monday, September 2, 2024, an emergency distress signal was detected by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) from a 20-meter yacht, The Spirit of Mateship, located approximately 185 kilometers east of Nowra, New South Wales. The signal indicated an urgent situation on board with two crew members in distress.
A coordinated rescue effort was swiftly launched, involving multiple agencies. The NSW Police vessel Nemesis ultimately rescued the two crew members, who were reported to be unharmed. The operation involved the deployment of various assets, including RAAF and NSW Ambulance rescue helicopters, which attempted contact despite challenging weather conditions. However, due to severe weather and fuel limitations, the helicopters were unable to retrieve the crew.
Naval support came from HMAS Arunta and HMAS Canberra, which arrived on the scene to assist with the situation. The NSW Police vessel Nemesis maintained contact overnight and successfully transferred the crew members on board at 7:25 AM AEST the following morning, ensuring their safe return to Sydney.
This successful rescue underscores the critical importance of carrying an emergency beacon, which played a key role in enabling the timely and coordinated response to this emergency. AMSA expressed gratitude to all involved, including the crew of Nemesis, HMAS Arunta, HMAS Canberra, the helicopter teams, and the ship C SAV Rio Nevado for their essential assistance in the operation.
