Royal Australian Navy destroyer assists distressed yacht in international waters

The crew of a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) warship rescued six mariners from a 30-metre motor yacht north of Australia on Monday, March 6.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was deployed from the destroyer HMAS Hobart in unfavourable conditions to enable the rescue of the yacht’s crew, who had experienced engine trouble and became stranded in international waters north-east of Darwin, near Kolepon (Dolok), Indonesia.

The RIB was launched safely under challenging sea conditions and effected the transfer of personnel from the disabled yacht, identified as the Marshall Islands-flagged Vivierae II. The passengers, who have all since been evacuated to Australia, included UK, South African, Canadian, and American nationals.

The yacht was sailing on a charter tour when it lost all power due to the engine overheating after a rope became entangled in the propeller on March 2.

Authorities in Indonesia’s South Papua province are preparing to have the yacht towed to the Port of Merauke.