DPR 016/97 Friday, January 10, 1997

THE WORLD THANKS THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE FOR THE RESCUE OF LONE YACHTSMEN.

Messages, phone calls, faxes, letters and e-mail have been received from around the world by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) following the successful search and rescue of lone yachtsmen Tony Bullimore and Therry Dubois from the Southern Ocean by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Her Majesty The Queen passed the following message through the Governor General of Australia to the Chief of the Defence Force,
"I would be grateful if you would pass on both my congratulations to all members of the Australian Defence Forces who have made possible the two dramatic rescues in the Southern Ocean over these recent days and through HMAS ADELAIDE, my warm good wishes to Tony Bullimore on his extraordinary feat of survival.''

The Governor General of Australia also added his words of congratulations stating:
"The nation as a whole is very proud of this wonderful demonstration of the ability, efficiency, resourcefulness and bravery of its service men and women."

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Howard MP stated :
"Australians are proud of the way you have conducted yourselves with complete professionalism and your efforts in Antarctic conditions merit our unreserved admiration. Please pass on my personal thanks and best wishes of my Government to your crew"

The Minister For Defence, the Hon Ian McLachlan MP stated:
"Congratulations to all involved for your magnificent efforts in rescuing yachtsmen Dubois and Bullimore. Your persistence and professionalism reflect proudly on the Australian Defence Force. Well done."

The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Kim C. Beazley MP stated:
"The rescue missions are a tribute to the skills, determination and bravery of the members of Australia's Defence Forces and the service people from other nations who took part in the rescue operation. On occasions like this, you realise how great a national asset our service men and women are to Australia. As always, they did what they are trained to do and put service before self - with many involved in these rescues returning to duty from leave and the
company of their families over the Christmas - New Year holiday period."

From the Prime Minister of Britain, Mr John Major:
" I am in India and have just heard the news of the rescue of Tony Bullimore by the RAN and RAAF. It is a tribute to their skill and seamanship - as well as to Mr Bullimore's resilience - that they succeeded in finding and recovering him in such appalling conditions so far offshore."

From the British Minister of Defence, Mr. Michael Portillo:
"Like everyone else, I am absolutely delighted that they have successfully rescued the British yachtsmen, Mr Tony Bullimore and two French yachtsmen. This was achieved against the odds and in exceptional weather conditions."

From the Courtney family of Victoria:
"You can always count on the Aussies . We hope you all have a good sleep and a few cold beers."

From P. deClairieu in France:
"It is a worldwide promotion and demonstration of the strength of the Australian spirit."

From M. Jones in East Sussex, England:
"As a yachtsman myself it's wonderful to know that whenever we get into trouble we rely on people, like yourselves, (who) will come to our assistance. Thank you for being there when you were needed."

From M. Wilson:
"Congratulations to all involved in the rescue of sailors. Well Done!!! It was a stirring day to be an Australian."

From Sisters of Mercy in Croydon, Victoria:
Congratulations to all concerned! Our prayers were answered! God bless you all for your courage and determination."

From the proud son of an Australian Soldier at South East Water:
"By whatever standards your heroic feats are measured you are the best in the world, you have proved this, your feats will never be surpassed."

From the Michaels in Victoria:
"You have given us all something to smile about. A Happy Ending. The vehicle of achievement is fuelled by teamwork."

Squadron Leader David Jeffcoat
(06) 265 2661 (b/h) (06) 296 1394.(a/h)