DPR 35/97 Friday, February 7, 1997

RAAF LOCATE DISTRESSED SAILORS IN SOUTH WEST PACIFIC

A Royal Australian Air Force Orion aircraft on a routine South West Pacific fisheries patrol yesterday located two distressed sailors about 400 kilometres north of Honiara.

The Orion was first alerted to the 14 foot dinghy yesterday morning (AEDT) by a radar contact and upon investigation, sighted two crew waving flags trying to gain the aircraft's attention.

Crew from the Orion, based at RAAF Edinburgh SA, dropped emergency rescue supplies to the dinghy and after refuelling remained in the rescue area until the sailors were recovered by a nearby fishing vessel late last night (AEDT).

The fishing vessel with the sailors on board is making its way to a hospital at Santa Isabel in the Solomons.

The two PNG nationals set off from the port of Buka on Bougainville Island more than 10 days ago and were drifting some 480 kilometres after running out of fuel.

Chief Defence Spokesman, Brigadier Paul Tys said "This is another fine example of the Royal Australian Air Force demonstrating its ability to save lives under difficult circumstances.

Although this rescue was not on the same scale as the three recent yacht rescues in the Southern Ocean, all Australians have yet again good reason to be proud of their Defence Force."

Further information:

Wing Commander Brent Crowhurst 06 265 0042 (b/h)
015 489 418 (mob)