Solo Canadian sailor rescued by AMSA, Navy off Western Australia after boat sinks en route to Christmas Island

An international sailor left to the mercy of the Indian Ocean when his catamaran began sinking has been rescued far off the Australian coast.

A major search led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) was triggered about 11am Sunday when the Canadian seafarer travelling from Darwin to Christmas Island failed to make two scheduled calls to his family back home.

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The man’s drowning vessel was found by AMSA’s rescue jet, 1000km southeast of his destination.

The sailor was close by, having taken refuge in his catamaran’s small tender boat.

He raised both hands in the air as help arrived.

A life raft, communication equipment, food and water were among the life-saving supplies dropped to him by AMSA’s rescue jet, and he was soon winched to safety by a Seahawk helicopter and taken aboard Royal Australian Navy oiler replenishment vessel HMAS Supply.

Thankfully he was not hurt and is in a good condition.

A Canadian sailor raised both hands in the air as help arrived. Credit: AMSAThe sailor took refuge in his catamaran’s small tender boat. Credit: AMSA

“This operation demonstrates Australia’s ability to coordinate a rapid and effective response across one of the world’s largest search and rescue regions,” AMSA executive director of response and capability Alex Barrell said.

“From the initial alert raised by family members overseas through to the deployment of AMSA’s rescue jet and support from HMAS Supply and its embarked helicopter, multiple agencies worked together to achieve a successful outcome.”

Barrell said the rescue highlighted “how quickly circumstances can change and deteriorate offshore” and the importance of being prepared before heading to sea.

“Having reliable communications and a trusted person ashore who knows when to raise the alarm can make all the difference,” he said.

“I commend our AMSA search and rescue officers and the rescue jet crew for their professionalism, experience and expertise in locating the sailor and delivering lifesaving supplies. These airdrops require a high level of accuracy and can be crucial to achieving a successful rescue outcome. 

“I also extend my appreciation and thanks to the Australian Defence Force, particularly to the crew of HMAS Supply and [the] Seahawk helicopter, for responding to our call for assistance and in their role in successfully bringing the sailor to safety.

“This rescue is a powerful reminder that when agencies work together, share information and act quickly, lives can be saved, even in the most remote parts of our region.”