South West Rocks: Operation underway to rescue solo sailor 25 nautical miles off shore

Emergency services have responded to a stranded vessel off the coast of South West Rocks to salvage a 10 metre yacht and its solo skipper.

Marine rescue crews have responded to an emergency beacon alert 25 nautical miles off the coast of South West Rocks to salvage a stricken yacht and its skipper.

About 2.30pm on Wednesday Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) was notified by NSW Marine Area Command that a white steel-hulled yacht had activated its emergency EPIRB beacon, with one person on board.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service also responded to the call.

Marine Rescue NSW are on the scene of a rescue operation off the coast of South West Rocks.

Crews have located the 10-metre vessel, which is currently under tow by Marine Rescue NSW, however unfavourable conditions are delaying the rescue effort with a MRNSW spokeswoman anticipating it may take a further three hours before the operation is complete.

“We are currently unsure what is wrong with the boat, but we understand that he [the sailor] is safe and well,” the spokeswoman said.

Marine Rescue NSW are on the scene of a rescue operation off the coast of South West Rocks.

“We were on the scene at 4:38pm with our crew from Trial Bay, they took the boat under tow just before 5pm and thieir ETA is 9pm, at the very earliest, but could be more likely 9:30pm.

“Conditions out to sea seem pretty rough.

“If the conditions warrant being taken off [his boat] or if there is any further risk, we would transfer him onto our boat.”

The crew on board the rescue vessel Trial Bay 30 is skipper Peter Holyfield and crew Geoff Greenwood and Ian Turner.