Officers from the Marine Area Command (MAC) have helped rescue a skipper and sinking yacht off Newcastle during a 26-hour operation.
The MAC received reports of a 50-foot Beneteau yacht taking on water 95 nautical miles off the coast of Newcastle about 12am on Friday 15 May.
Port Stephens Water Police, with assistance from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, located the vessel 73 nautical miles off the coast about 10am.
In rough seas, the yacht and sole occupant – a 40-year-old UK national – were towed to Newcastle Harbour, arriving about 1.30am on Saturday 15 May.
The skipper has been processed through immigration by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
He was then escorted by police to a hotel in Sydney’s CBD where he will undergo mandatory quarantine.
The vessel remains moored at Newcastle Harbour.
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