A once-in-a-decade swell impacted the West Australian coast, punching a hole in the deck of the ‘Grey nomad’s’ yacht and letting in water faster than the pump could cope.
The sailor, who has circumnavigated the globe numerous times, rang the RCC by satellite phone and a few minutes later the beacon was detected.
He said the ordeal lasted two-and-a-half hours before he was finally rescued.
“Amazing job these guys did — they backed up to the boat and came alongside,” he said.
“The footage looks quite mild but the sea was quite confused, very huge and I thought ‘Geez, I don’t know how they’re going to do this, I’ll probably get on board with a broken arm or leg or something’. I’m pretty lucky.”
Read more here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-28/renowned-sailor-jon-sanders-blames-huge-swell-for-yacht-rescue/6579042
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/28593218/sanders-high-seas-scramble-to-safety/