SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 16 February 2025, Sunday |

Three rescued after sharks attack yacht off Australian coast

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said on Wednesday that three passengers on board a catamaran in the Coral Sea off the northeastern coast of Australia had been saved after the hulls of the boat sustained damage from several shark attacks.

A significant portion of the yacht’s stern was torn away, as shown in satellite images and a video on the AMSA website.

“The vessel departed from Vanuatu and was bound for Cairns (Australia) when contact was established. Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks,” the AMSA said in a statement.

Rescue crews responded to an emergency positioning beacon registered to the Tion, a nine-metre inflatable catamaran, early on Wednesday morning. The yacht was located about 835 kms (519 miles) southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea.

AMSA requested the assistance of a Panama-flagged vehicle carrier, which successfully conducted the rescue.

The three passengers – two Russian and one French citizen – are due to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday, AMSA said.

    Source:
  • Reuters