Three South African Yachtsmen Rescued by Australians
Three South African yachtsmen are finally back on dry land, after being stuck at sea for a week on a wrecked boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The men had set out a month ago on a voyage from Durban to Wellington… but hit bad weather a week ago. A 35-foot swell and gusts of […]
Three South African yachtsmen are finally back on dry land, after being stuck at sea for a week on a wrecked boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
The men had set out a month ago on a voyage from Durban to Wellington… but hit bad weather a week ago. A 35-foot swell and gusts of wind destroyed the mast of their boat. They were more than 1,300 km off the west Australian coast.
“That’s when you know: now it’s serious business,” South African sailor Armand van Niekerk told Nine News.
The Australians had been notified of the boat’s predictament after the crew activated an emergency beacon… and immediately deployed the Royal Australian Navy to rescue the men.
A helicopter winched all three to safety. “I told them to hold on as tight as they could, and prepare for one crazy ride, and off we went,” said one of their rescuers. The men then travelled in style, aboard the HMS Parramatta, to shore.
Armand said it was wonderful to know that sailors look after sailors, no matter where in the world you are.
This had been a passion project for Armand… but now he will continue to Wellington without his boat.
He extended a deep appreciation for the Australians’ help.
“But for the grace of God and the goodwill of the Australian people that we’re here,” he said.
South Africans took to social media to extend gratitude as well. Garth Anton Pienaar said: “Our sincere thanks and grateful appreciation to the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy.”
Russell Furlong wrote: “Thanking the Australian navy from South Africa for pulling our mates out of a dire situation.”
And Mike Louw said: “Australia, You Beauty Mate. From the other guys Downunder, SA.”