DPR 11/97 12.00 noon Thursday, January 9,1997

MEDIA UPDATE YACHT SEARCH AND RESCUE

The Department of Defence has released further information on Defence's assistance to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in the search and rescue for the two yachtsmen caught in bad weather about 1 300 nautical miles south south-west of Perth.

At 7.45 am AEDT the Seahawk helicopter, piloted by Lieutenant John May, took off from HMAS Adelaide to recover French yachtsman Thierry Dubois from the life raft that was dropped to him on 6 January 1997. At 8.25 am AEDT he was successfully plucked from his life raft into the Seahawk helicopter by Lieutenant Hank Scott and returned to the HMAS Adelaide at 8.35 am AEDT.

After medical examination Thierry Dubois was reported as being in good general health. His core body temperature was normal at 37 degrees although his fingers and toes had suffered exposure to the cold. He also has several cuts and abrasions but was otherwise well.

Mr Dubois commented that his immersion suit had worked very well.

The HMAS Adelaide is currently steaming towards Tony Bullimore's yacht, Globe Exide Challenger and is expected to be at its hull between 11.30 am and 12 00 noon AEDT At this stage the rescue is planned to commence by launching a Rigid Inflatable Boat into the water and trying to set up communication with Bullimore by knocking on the hull. Further rescue efforts may include cutting through the hull.

Weather conditions in the area have deteriorated and at present there are four metre sea swells and 40 knots winds.

Further information: Colonel Andrew Reynolds (06) 265 2929 (b/h)