Lone sailor and his dog saved – July 2021

Our core function is monitoring VHF Ch 16 to save lives on the water. 

On 25 July 2021 the lives of a lone sailor and his dog were saved as a result of this capability. Mid-afternoon a call was picked up by Volker Aebischer from the sailor who was calling for help after becoming ill. Uncertain of his position, he was asked to activate his EPIRB. The EPIRB indicated a position 45nm East of Bermagui.

BG30 crew remained on standby as MAC and the ROM determined the best course of action. An all-stations message was also broadcast to request assistance from passing vessels. Two ships responded to the call for help. The bulk carrier Darya Heera diverted course to shadow the yacht and the container ship ER Sweden also offered assistance until Police vessel Falcon could reach the stricken yacht.

Falcon was tasked to rescue the lone sailor reached his location at 21.30pm. MR Bermagui remained operational until 10.30pm to provide communications for the incident. The lone sailor and his dog were transferred to Police vessel Falcon using the police tender to come alongside the yacht. At the time of handing over to MR Sydney, Falcon was returning the rescued person (and dog) to Eden. 

Unfortunately the 54-foot yacht had to be abandoned. The activated EPIRB on board allowed the authorities to track the vessel. Securite warnings continued for several days to alert other vessels to the navigation hazard posed by the unmanned yacht.