Issued 19 June 2002 immediate use 13:00hrs AEST
Media Release
Two Rescued from Sinking Catamaran
Australian Search and Rescue today coordinated the rescue of two people from their sinking catamaran off the West Australian coast.
The couple were on board the Lost World when its hull was pierced by an unknown object. AusSAR received a mayday call from the catamaran via the seismic survey vessel Veritas Searcher at 9.15am (AEST).
A Customs Coastwatch Dash-8 aircraft located the sinking yacht 90 nautical miles (167 kms) north east of Troughton Island (370kms WSW of Darwin).
The couple abandoned the vessel for an inflatable dinghy and were winched on board a Super Puma helicopter from Troughton Island at 12.35pm (AEST).
The weather in the area was moderate with two metre seas and 25 knot south-easterly winds.
Further information:
Ben Mitchell 0418 164 901
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