A yacht skipper has been brought to safety in a marathon overnight rescue mission after their vessel lost steering off the New South Wales coast and they sustained an eye injury while trying to make repairs.
Overnight Mission in Challenging Conditions
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens were activated late on Sunday, December 7, 2025, following a distress call. The skipper of a 12 to 15-metre yacht reported being disabled and injured after departing from Lord Howe Island. The vessel had lost its steering capability in waters between Seal Rocks and Broughton Island.
Radio operators in Sydney took the initial call before passing communications to the local base. Inspector Jane Shirriff of Marine Rescue NSW confirmed that the rescue vessel Port Stephens 31 (PS31) was deployed just after 11:15pm.
"Unfortunately, the skipper of the yacht suffered an eye injury while attempting to fix the issue, increasing the urgency of the response," Inspector Shirriff said.
Long Tow to Safety
The PS31 crew located the stricken yacht approximately seven nautical miles north of Broughton Island and about six nautical miles offshore. After checking on the welfare of the solo skipper, the volunteers secured a tow line and began the long journey back to port.
The operation was conducted in difficult sea conditions, with a 15 to 20-knot southeasterly wind and a 1.5 to 2-metre swell making for an uncomfortable and challenging passage.
"It was tough going on the way back, with our crew experiencing choppy conditions, but they persevered and guided the disabled yacht safely into d'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay at 6:20am this morning," Inspector Shirriff reported.
Multi-Unit Effort
The successful rescue was a coordinated effort, spanning more than seven hours from the initial call to safe arrival. The Forster-Tuncurry Marine Rescue unit was placed on standby to assist if needed, highlighting the collaborative nature of the volunteer network.
Inspector Shirriff praised the dedication of the teams involved, stating, "The radio operators and crew at Port Stephens did a wonderful job in extremely fatiguing conditions."
The mission underscores the vital role of Marine Rescue NSW, a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting coastal communities across the state.
