**Title: Australian Navy Rescues Sailors Stranded in Six-Metre Seas**
The Australian Navy recently executed a dramatic rescue operation to save three stranded sailors whose yacht was caught in six-metre-high seas. The yacht, named “Tion,” was traveling from Vanuatu to Cairns, Australia, when it encountered severe weather conditions in the Coral Sea, approximately 800 kilometers off the Queensland coast.
The sailors issued a distress signal after the yacht’s mast broke and they lost control of the vessel, which began to drift away in the treacherous conditions. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the rescue mission, dispatching a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft to locate the stranded yacht. Meanwhile, the Australian Navy’s HMAS Brisbane, which was on a training exercise in the area, was redirected to provide assistance.
The Poseidon aircraft was the first to spot the yacht, noting that it was “running away” from the direction of the rescue team due to strong currents and rough seas. The situation was complicated further by six-metre swells and winds exceeding 50 knots, creating hazardous conditions for both the stranded sailors and the rescuers.
After several tense hours, the HMAS Brisbane arrived on the scene and deployed its rigid-hulled inflatable boats to reach the sailors. Despite the challenging conditions, the rescue team managed to bring all three sailors on board safely. Fortunately, no one was injured during the ordeal.
The successful rescue highlights the expertise and readiness of the Australian Navy and AMSA to respond quickly in emergencies. The sailors were taken back to shore, grateful for their lives and the swift action of the rescuers.