Two sailors have been rescued after a harrowing 24-hour ordeal in treacherous seas, 200 miles off Australia’s eastern coast. The yacht, Spirit of Mateship, suffered a mechanical failure, leaving it powerless amid 90 km/h winds and 6-meter waves. The crew, a 60-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, were stranded and at the mercy of the elements, as rescue attempts faced delays due to the harsh conditions.
Despite an initial failed attempt to retrieve them, rescue efforts resumed at dawn when the weather eased, with the Australian Navy and maritime services playing key roles. After enduring a night of terror and exhaustion, the sailors were finally saved by NSW Police in the early hours of Tuesday. The Spirit of Mateship, previously famous for competing in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race with wounded veterans on board, has since changed ownership. The sailors are expected to return to Sydney after a 12-hour journey, grateful for the timely activation of their distress beacon that saved their lives.