Two sailors are lucky to be alive today after a harrowing night-time rescue in the treacherous waters of the Bass Strait, roughly 60 nautical miles offshore from Lakes Entrance.
The pair, aged 59 and 70, were on a multi-day voyage from Melbourne to Sydney
when disaster struck last Sunday night. At approximately 8pm, amidst deteriorating weather conditions, the men issued an emergency radio broadcast reporting that their yacht was taking on water and they were forced to abandon ship.
The distress call was picked up by a nearby merchant vessel, which immediately alerted state and national rescue coordination centers.
The rescue operation, described as “extraordinarily challenging” by authorities, saw Victoria Police Air Wing and Water Police units scramble toward the coordinates. By 8.45pm, rescuers located the men clinging to a small life raft, dwarfed by five-metre swells and buffeted by 90km/h gale-force winds.
In a display of immense skill under pressure, Ambulance Victoria flight paramedics conducted a precision winch rescue to
pull the exhausted men from the water.
The sailors were transported to hospital suffering from shock and hypothermia, though their injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening. Their vessel is believed to have been claimed by the sea shortly after they evacuated.
Acting Senior Sergeant Dave McHenry of the Water Police Squad praised the seamless
coordination between the merchant ship and local emergency teams.
“The horrific sea conditions and high winds brought major challenges for the teams carrying out this rescue,” Acting Senior
Sgt McHenry said.
“I’m proud of everyone involved making it possible for us to safely rescue the two occupants on the boat.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable conditions off the East Gippsland coast. Water Police are currently investigating the exact circumstances that led to the yacht taking on water.
Local boaters are urged to ensure all safety equipment and EPIRBs are up to date before heading into open waters.
