The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has coordinated the rescue of a lone kayaker after he encountered bad weather on a journey from Broome to Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean.
AMSA’s Response Centre received a distress notification about 7pm (AEST) after which communication was established via satellite phone with the kayaker about 630km south-east of Christmas Island.
The kayaker requested assistance as he was taking on water due to the sea conditions and was unable to pump it out as his bilge pump was broken.
AMSA’s Perth-based Challenger rescue aircraft was dispatched to the scene and made contact with the kayaker. Merchant shipping in the area was also diverted to provide support.
The rescue aircraft maintained contact with the kayaker and assisted the Bulk Carrier Haizhu Flourish to locate the vessel. The Haizhu Flourish dispatched a rescue boat just after daybreak and recovered the kayaker on board.
AMSA thanked the crew of the Haizhu Flourish for their assistance with the rescue. AMSA understands the man is safe and well.
