MV Scarlett Lucy Rescue

On 21 May 2009, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s  Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) was contacted by the United States Coast Guard and informed that a 16 metre yacht, Sumatra II with two people on board, had activated their US registered 406 MHz distress beacon. The yacht was approximately 350 nautical miles east of Brisbane, was taking on water and sinking. RCC Australia made contact via an onboard satellite phone and established contact with the two men. They were advised to remain with the yacht as long as possible and be prepared to evacuate the yacht when required.

RCC Australia coordinated five fixed wing aircraft to assist in locating the yachts position, and a broadcast to shipping was issued with the merchant vessel Scarlett Lucy responding and diverting to the distress position.

The weather conditions in the area were very poor with rough seas, up to eight metres and low visibility. The distance offshore meant that a rescue helicopter could not be utilised.

When the MV Scarlett Lucy arrived onscene, they faced an enormous task of rescuing the two men.

The first man, a 39 year old New Zealand national was able to be recovered to the Scarlett Lucy by climbing up a boarding net.

The second man, a 72 year old United States national however drifted in the water for some 45 minutes with the Scarlett Lucy's crew utilising life rings to attempt to bring him on board. It took persistence and tremendous bravery from the crew to eventually rescue the man from the water.

With both men safely on board, the crew of the MV Scarlett Lucy continued en route to Sydney where they berthed early Sunday morning. AMSA Search and Rescue Officer, Noel Molloy, presented the very humbled crew with a Certificate of Appreciation and plaque for their outstanding efforts in this successful rescue.  

To view the video of the rescue, click here.