Sailor rescued from damaged yacht

After receiving a distress call, the Rescue Coordination Centre requested a C-130 Hercules from No. 40 Squadron in Auckland to locate and provide overwatch near Cape Kidnappers while two ships were diverted to assist.

The Centre says Talley’s trawler Amaltal Apollo was able to transfer the sailor on board in extremely challenging weather conditions. The C-130 remained on station throughout the rescue.

No 40 Squadron Executive Officer Squadron Leader Rob Attrill says the C-130 crew were pleased they could assist and relieved that the yachtie had been successfully rescued 

“Every time we deploy an aircraft for search and rescue, we’re hoping for the best possible outcome.  Delivering this capability is one of the things our crews train for, and it’s always a good feeling to know the C-130 crew’s efforts, and that of all our enablers on Base Auckland; especially 40 Squadron Maintenance, have contributed to a successful rescue.”