On Monday 2 September 2024 at 12:40pm AEST, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) detected an emergency distress signal from an EPIRB onboard a 20-metre yacht The Spirit of Mateship with two people on board, located approximately 185km east of Nowra, New South Wales.
The two crew have now been rescued by NSW Police launch Nemesis.
Last night AMSA's Response Centre tasked the Nowra-based RAAF rescue helicopter Choppa 26 - CHC and NSW Ambulance Wollongong-based Rescue 204, and Sydney-based Rescue 208 helicopters. The NSW Ambulance Sydney-based rescue helicopter arrived on scene at about 3pm AEST and was able make contact. However, were not able to retrieve them due to severe weather on scene and fuel considerations.
A RAAF C-130J Hercules aircraft was on scene to support after last light, and departed at 9pm AEST.
HMAS Arunta arrived on scene at 6pm AEST, with HMAS Canberra arriving at 1am AEST this morning. Arunta departed this morning at 12:30am AEST.
NSW Water Police vessel Nemesis arrived on scene at 3am this morning, and remained overnight to maintain contact. Nemesis successfully transferred the two crew members on board at 7:25am AEST, and is now making its way back to Sydney.
Both crew members are reported to be uninjured.
AMSA would like to thank the crew of NSW Police launch Nemesis, HMAS Arunta, HMAS Canberra, Helicopter crews from Rescue 204, Rescue 208 NSW Ambulance helicopters, and Choppa 26 - CHC, along with the crew of the ship C SAV Rio Nevado for their invaluable assistance with this rescue.
This successful outcome again highlights the importance of carrying an emergency beacon at all times, as this led to a prompt response to this emergency.
