HMAS Melbourne saves yacht in distress

Royal Australian Navy Frigate HMAS Melbourne has assisted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in successfully completing a search and rescue operation off the Queensland coast.

CAPTION: HMAS Melbourne crewmembers provide assistance to a civilian yacht in distress off the Queensland coast. Photo by Able Seaman Hannah Walton

HMAS Melbourne responded to a distress call from a civilian yacht located approximately 84 nautical miles North East of Hervey Bay just before noon on 18 June, and arrived to assist about an hour later.

The yacht had experienced electrical and steering gear failure and a crew member had sustained injuries.

Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, Major General Greg Bilton, said HMAS Melbourne was able to rapidly locate the vessel in distress and render assistance.

“Melbourne’s crew provided medical assistance to injured and ill crew members and attempted to repair the vessel.

“The yacht was unable to be repaired and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority tasked Bundaberg Volunteer Marine Rescue to recover the yacht later that day.

HMAS Melbourne’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat commenced towing operations later that evening and handed over towing duties to the Bundaberg Volunteer Marine Rescue in the early hours of 19 June.

HMAS Melbourne has now returned to its previous tasking.

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