VANUATU CHIEF

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Cargo ship rescued single hand sailor

The 'Vanuatu Chief', en route from New Caledonia to Noumea, rescued the 66-year-old skipper of the Australian s/y 'Piper', who was sailing in New Caledonian waters, after the yacht had suffered damage and a major leak on Dec 2, 2024. At around 7:30 a.m, the CROSS Noumea received the signal from the distress beacon of the 'Piper', which was sailing off the coast of Grande Terre in the western part of the Northern Lagoon. After investigations conducted in conjunction with the Australian MRCC in Canberra, the CROSS managed to establish contact with the skipper, who reported that the yacht had a rudder failure and an uncontrollable leak. The 'Vanuatu Chief' and the Casa aircraft of the Armed Forces in New Caledonia were then diverted to the yacht. The CROSS also requested assistance from a Guardian aircraft and a Puma helicopter of the armed forces. At around 9:45 a.m., the Casa managed to locate the vessel and made contact with the skipper who indicated that his vessel would only remain afloat for a few more hours before sinking. The Gardian arrived on site around 11:15 a.m. to monitor the situation. Around noon, the 'Vanuatu Chief' also arrived in the area, launched a boat and picked up the skipper on board. He was then hoisted aboard the Puma helicopter which landed in Poum at around 2 p.m. Report with photos: https://www.lnc.nc/article/nouvelle-caledonie/faits-divers/un-skipper-australien-secouru-avant-que-son-voilier-ne-sombre-au-nord-de-la-grande-terre