Australian Navy Rescue Mission A Success

Navy Rescue Mission A Success

A lone yachtsman has been plucked from his vessel following a dramatic rescue by the Royal Australian Navy today.

The sailor became stranded when his yacht Lamachan ran aground on Elizabeth Reef, approximately 160 kilometres north of Lord Howe Island.

With the yacht in danger of breaking up in heavy seas, the Navy responded to a request from the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra to assist.

A Sea Hawk helicopter from 816 Squadron and a Sea King helicopter from 817 Squadron both based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, supported by the ANZAC Class frigate HMAS Ballarat, were dispatched this morning.

The Sea Hawk, supported by the Sea King winched the man to safety late this afternoon and transported him back to Lord Howe Island.

Commodore Ray Griggs, the Deputy Commander of the Australian Fleet said: "The successful rescue today follows the two helicopters covering some 1500 kilometers since launching from their home base at the Naval Air station in Nowra this morning."

"This operation shows the flexibility of Navy’s ships and aircraft and their ability to be retasked at short notice."

Commodore Griggs praised all concerned with the rescue effort in achieving a fantastic result.

ENDS

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