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Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific
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Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific

1 min read
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In the early hours of 15 May,

RFNS

Timo

—Fiji’s newest 39-metre Guardian-class patrol boat—was redirected following a Mayday alert relayed by Australian authorities.

Triskele

had suffered rigging damage, run out of fuel, and was battling heavy seas. One commentator described conditions as "gnarly" this season.

The crew from SV Triskele are taken off their yacht by the crew from <em>RFNS Timo. </em>Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific
The crew from SV Triskele are taken off their yacht by the crew from <em>RFNS Timo. </em>Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific | Photo: Republic Of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division / Facebook

The crew were brought safely onboard the

Timo

, and the yacht is now under tow to Viti Levu. The response was coordinated by Fiji’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), operating from the new Maritime Essentials Services Centre, in close contact with Australia’s JRCC.

This is the second yacht rescue within a week in the seas off Fiji. Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific
This is the second yacht rescue within a week in the seas off Fiji. Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific | Photo: Republic Of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division / Facebook

Both this rescue and last week’s

Lucky Jonny

operation show the value of strong regional coordination and modern patrol assets. The

Timo

, commissioned in February under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, is expected back in Nadi waters later this week.

<em>RFNS Timo towing SV Triksele back to land in a multi-day rescue.</em> Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific
<em>RFNS Timo towing SV Triksele back to land in a multi-day rescue.</em> Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific | Photo: Republic Of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division / Facebook

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