Friday 19 April 2013
The solo sailor who activated his emergency beacon early this morning has been rescued from his dismasted yacht by Victorian Police helicopter 120 nautical miles south of Mallacoota in Victoria.
The yachtsman will be taken to Mallacoota where he will receive medical treatment.
The solo yachtsman left Portland on Saturday 13 April 2013 en route to New Zealand as part of his around the world journey and activated his beacon at approximately 1:30am this morning (Friday 19 April).
Rough weather conditions had prevented any vessels and most aircraft from attending the scene.
Throughout the day a merchant vessel and HMAS Melbourne had attempted to make their way to the yacht’s position but had to divert due to poor weather.
A Seahawk helicopter and Hercules C-130 also assisted AMSA with the search and rescue operation.