Yachtsman rescued

17 June 2004 By Graham Davis

Four members of the ship’s company of patrol boat HMAS Gawler have braved four metre high waves in the ship’s RHIB to rescue a 64-year-old American lone yachtsman in his 14-metre yacht in the Arafura Sea.

LCDR Richard Donnelly and his team were on patrol off the Tiwi Islands when NORCOM asked them to go to the aid of the yachtsman.

The man had reported by radio he was drifting after his engine had failed. Gawler sailed at best speed and about two hours later came upon the yacht.

The occupant was not injured, but was seasick from his bouncing ride.