Lone skipper hit in head by yacht’s boom rescued off East Coast

A lone yachtsman has survived after being hit by his boat’s boom while sailing off Tasmania’s East Coast. Read how the drama unfolded.

Injured skipper rescued from yacht near Eddystone Point. Picture: Tasmania Police

A lone yachtsman has been rescued off Tasmania’s East Coast after being hit in the head by the boat’s boom.

Police said a distress call was sent out by the man who was injured while sailing from George Town to Hobart on Wednesday.

Tas Maritime Radio received the call about 2.30pm on Wednesday after the man was hit by the boom.

Injured skipper rescued from yacht near Eddystone Point. Picture: Tasmania Police

Police used a St Helens Volunteer Marine Rescue vessel with an Ambulance Tasmania paramedic aboard to rescue the man.

He was treated on the yacht by the paramedic while the vessel was skippered by police to Binalong Bay.

Police said the man was transferred from the yacht about 9pm and taken to the St Helens District Hospital for assessment.

Tasmania Police thanked members of the St Helens Volunteer Marine Rescue for their assistance and skill during difficult sailing conditions.

Originally published as Lone skipper hit in head by yacht’s boom rescued off East Coast