What's happened
Two sailors were rescued from their disabled yacht, Spirit of Mateship, after spending a night in extreme weather off the Australian coast. The 60-year-old man and 48-year-old woman activated their distress beacon, prompting a multi-agency rescue operation that faced challenging conditions. They were safely retrieved early Tuesday morning.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the rescue operation was initiated after the yacht sent out a distress beacon, but challenging conditions delayed the response. Ben Flight from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority noted the sailors endured a 'horrible' night at sea. Police Chief Inspector Anthony Brazzill emphasized the dangerous conditions, stating that the sailors had to jump onto a rescue boat one at a time, showcasing the skill of the rescuers. The situation underscores the importance of maritime safety and preparedness in extreme weather.
How we got here
The sailors were on a voyage when their 19-meter yacht experienced mechanical failure, losing power and taking on water. They activated their emergency beacon, leading to a complex rescue operation that began Monday afternoon.
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