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Whale Collision Sinks Yacht, Stranding Sailors for 17 Hours
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- The Australian yacht Tai Tam struck a sperm whale about 250 nautical miles north of Norfolk Island on September 26, causing the vessel to flood and forcing four sailors to abandon ship and spend 17 hours in a life raft.
- The crew issued a Mayday call due to the severity of the damage and their remote location, approximately 500 nautical miles north of New Zealand.
- Rescue efforts were coordinated by a New Zealand Defence Force aircraft, with the 469-foot cargo ship MV Sofrana Surville ultimately rescuing the sailors early Sunday morning.
- Authorities praised the crew for their quick response and early activation of the emergency beacon, which was crucial for their safe recovery.
- Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang at the time of the collision and noted calm weather conditions, which likely prevented a more tragic outcome.
