The FPV Osiris arrived at the yacht’s location around 5.30 pm (AEST) yesterday. Then around 10 pm (AEST) the Osiris also evacuated a second solo yachtsman, Gregor McGuckin, from the SV Hanley Energy Endurance.
Both men were participating in the Golden Globe Yacht Race. On Friday night (21 September) race organisers notified AMSA that both Tomy and Gregor’s yachts had rolled in rough weather and dismasted. Tomy then sent a message via a tracker to advise that he had injured his back in the rollover and was unable to move.
Gregor was not injured but indicated that he wanted to abandon his yacht due to the damage sustained. He then made his way towards Tomy’s location in an attempt to assist.
Tomy’s yacht was approximately 3500 kilometres west of Perth, in remote seas and in bad weather.
AMSA tasked a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft and a civilian Global Express aircraft from Australia. The Indian Armed Forces supported the search and rescue with an additional P-8 aircraft. These aircraft sighted the stricken yacht SV Thuriya yesterday and confirmed the vessel’s condition and location for rescue organisers.
AMSA also tasked the Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Ballarat which is currently en route. It is anticipated the HMAS Ballarat will take several days to reach the stricken yacht.
The FPV Osiris has transported Tomy to Ile Amsterdam for further medical treatment and assessment.
AMSA would like to thank all those involved in the search and rescue.
Images of the rescue are located in our media library.