ADF rescues stranded sailors off Western Australia

Three people are recovering on board HMAS Parramatta, after being rescued from a stricken yacht in extremely rough seas, more than 1300 kilometres off the West Australian coast, in the Southern Indian Ocean.

The crew activated an emergency response beacon, (EPIRB) after the 13 metre, South African Registered yacht; ‘Jedi 1’ lost its mast in the rough conditions.

Given the distance involved and the weather conditions, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, formally requested Australian Defence Force support in order to reach the sailors as quickly as possible.

HMAS Parramatta, which was already at sea off the WA coast, was tasked at short notice to conduct the operation. A Royal Australian Air Force P3 Orion was also on stand-by but was not required.

An AMSA search and rescue jet established the yacht’s location and provided the crew with communications equipment.

The crew of Parramatta’s Seahawk Helicopter, call sign ‘Blackjack’ sighted the yacht late afternoon on the 18 March 2017, and established communications with her crew.

In difficult weather conditions, which included a heavy South Westerly swell, the South African crew members of ‘Jedi 1’ were quickly winched aboard the helicopter before being returned to HMAS Parramatta in good health.

Once safely onboard Parramatta the three sailors were provided with clean clothes, food and the opportunity to contact family.

HMAS Parramatta’s Commanding Officer, Commander Simon Howard praised the ship and her crew following the successful rescue of the sailors.

“This was a very professionally executed operation, in extremely trying conditions,” he said.

“The Royal Australian Navy is extremely well equipped and our personnel, highly trained to provide specialist assistance to Search and Rescue (SAR) activities in our region.

“We remain ready and able to respond to emergencies in support of our national SAR agency.”

Media note: 

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20170489