Solo sailor rescued after yacht blaze off Rockhampton
by Sail-World Cruising on 30 May 2011
Burnt-out yacht SW
A solo sailor has been flown to safety after his 11 metre yacht caught fire and he was unable to control the blaze. The fire started in the cockpit, and he was forced to abandon ship, getting into his dinghy. The yacht burnt to the water and ended up wrecked on the coastline.
The incident occurred off the coastline of Townsend Island, about 50 nautical miles north of Rockhampton. The sailor, who has not been named, let off a distress beacon before he abandoned his yacht, and made his way to the desolate island.
The Capricorn Helicopter Rescue began the search and a Careflight helicopter, stationed at Shoalwater Bay to support a military exercise, also joined the search. Once discovered, on the rocky shore of the island, a crewman was winched down to hoist up the sailor, who was suffering from leg injuries, cuts and abrasions.
He was flown to Rockhampton for further medical treatment.
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