The sailor was travelling from Darwin in northern Australia to Christmas Island. After he had missed two phone calls arranged with his family in Canada, his brother alerted the Australian emergency services. The authorities immediately dispatched a rescue aircraft to the vast search area. Satellite positioning data eventually led the rescuers to the stricken aircraft.
According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) reported that the scene of the accident was very far out at sea, well over 500 nautical miles north-west of the Australian coast and east-south-east of Christmas Island, as well as more than 200 nautical miles south of Bali. By the time the rescue teams arrived on the scene, only part of the catamaran was still above water. The skipper had already managed to reach safety in the dinghy.
The aircraft crew then dropped a life raft, as well as an emergency radio beacon, a two-way radio, provisions and water. It was a blessing in disguise for the sailor that a large Australian Navy supply ship was nearby. The ship altered its course and deployed its on-board helicopter. The crew of the Seahawk helicopter were then able to rescue the man from the air. AMSA did not provide any further details regarding his condition or the cause of the incident.
Here is the video showing the dramatic rescue:
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This case shows that, for sailors embarking on longer voyages, regular, pre-arranged phone calls to family or friends on shore can, in an emergency, save lives. Had the stricken sailor’s brother not raised the alarm, the search in one of the most remote regions of the Australian search and rescue area would have begun considerably later.
It is therefore not just for single-handed sailors that a reliable point of contact on land, a registered emergency transmitter and reliable communication form part of the safety equipment. Even when Rescue of a solo sailor from a sinking boat in the North Sea as well as after a Accident off Heligoland It was the prompt alerts that made the difference in ensuring a positive outcome.
Book recommendation
Safe Sailing at Sea covered practical rescue manoeuvres, navigation and risk management. The book examined the suitability of classic manoeuvres in strong winds and rough seas, explained the limitations of digital aids and included guidance on emergency procedures. Particularly relevant for solo sailors: the preparation of communication, equipment and procedures also determines whether an incident turns into a manageable emergency.
What’s your approach? Which communication and emergency channels do you consider essential on a long sailing trip?
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
