ADF assists in recovery of injured solo yachtsman

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is assisting in the search and rescue effort for an injured solo yachtsman, approximately 1800 nautical miles off the West Australian coast.

The sailor, an officer in the Indian Navy, was competing in the Golden Globe Race.

It is understood he suffered a serious back injury when his ten metre vessel, “Thuriya” was de-masted in extreme weather.

Royal Australian Navy Frigate, HMAS Ballarat, sailed from Perth last night, at approximately 1800 local time for the yacht’s last known location.

The ship joins a P-8A Poseidon from the Adelaide based Surveillance and Response Group Royal Australian Air Force, which has been deployed to La Reunion Island, France, to assist in the search.

These ADF assets are well suited to undertake maritime search and rescue missions during times of extreme weather.

Defence support is being provided following a request from the Australian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

Images of HMAS Ballarat’s departure are available at:

https://images.defence.gov.au/S20183114

Media Contact

Defence Media (02) 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au