By
LEUT Mhanda Tokesi
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HMAS
Melville recently went to the rescue of a 14m catamaran
sinking off the coast of Cairns.
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A
“PAN” emergency message saw the hydrographic ship HMAS Melville
dash to the assistance of a 14-metre catamaran with three men
and two women aboard near Cairns late last month.
The five were later evacuated to the 2,550 tonne warship. On May
20 the master of the Bagatelle radioed he needed assistance because
his yacht was up on Scott Reef, 25nm south east of Cairns.
The yacht had earlier left Dunk Island. CMDR Tony Withers and
his ship’s company were exercising in the area at the time, answered
the distress call and made best speed to Scott Reef.
CMDR Withers swung his ship’s company into action launching a
seven member Initial Response Team led by LEUT Mhanda Tokesi.
The crew found it difficult to reach Bagatelle due her position
on the reef during the low tide and the numerous coral shoals
around her.
The stricken yacht had significant flooding to her port demi-hull,
the port engine was damaged, the starboard rudder was gone and
there was damage to the port rudder.
Melville’s team used ship’s fire pump to draw enough water from
the port hull to reveal a number of medium sized holes along its
entire length. There was a crack under the port engine.
While initial pumping seemed to work strong winds arrived and
pushed the yacht further on to the reef. Larger holes developed.
As the tide lifted the vessel more water entered the vessel at
a rate the Naval team could not stop. As sunset approached Bagatelle
was anchored and her five occupants were evacuated to Melville.
The five spent the night on the ship before being landed in Cairns
at noon the following day.
The master then joined a private tug to return to the yacht for
a salvage attempt.
CMDR Withers praised the actions of his ship’s company in particular
the Initial Response Team for their professionalism and efficiency
in safely providing assistance to the stricken vessel.
