An Australian solo yachtsman has been rescued in rough seas after a distress situation involving the yacht SV Frankie Knuckles triggered a major search and rescue operation coordinated by Fiji authorities.
The Fiji Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Fiji) at the Vessel Monitoring and Emergency Support Centre was activated at about 10am today after receiving information about the emergency.
Following activation, RCC Fiji immediately began coordinating search and rescue efforts, deploying the Republic of Fiji Navy vessel RFNS Savenaca around midday to assist in the operation.
Nearby vessels and air assets were also tasked to support the rescue mission.
As part of the coordinated response, the cargo vessel Tropical Islander was diverted to the search area, while a DQMED aircraft was dispatched to locate the distressed vessel.
The aircraft successfully identified the search and rescue target and confirmed the presence of a person onboard a dinghy.
At the time of the rescue, weather conditions were challenging, with moderate visibility, rain, swells of up to four metres and west-north-westerly winds.
Despite the rough seas, the coordinated efforts led to a successful rescue.
“The cargo vessel Tropical Islander proceeded to the scene and provided the rescue at around 1300 today,” the Fiji Navy said in a statement.
A survival kit was also provided to those rescued.
The Republic of Fiji Navy acknowledged the efforts of the master and crew of Tropical Islander, the DQMED aircraft crew, RFNS Savenaca and all agencies involved in the operation.
The rescue comes amid a period of adverse weather and rough sea conditions across Fiji.
RCC Fiji is urging all mariners, particularly operators of small vessels, to exercise extreme caution before venturing out to sea.
“Mariners are urged to check weather forecasts, ensure their vessels are seaworthy, carry appropriate safety and communication equipment, and avoid unnecessary risks during adverse weather and rough sea conditions,” the statement said.
The Navy stressed that safety at sea is a shared responsibility and that timely reporting, preparedness and cooperation remain critical to successful search and rescue operations.
