British yachtsman lifted to safety from Pacific reef

A British sailor whose yacht was beached on a reef off a remote South Pacific island was lifted to safety today by an Australian navy helicopter, maritime officials said.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which co-ordinated the rescue, said a navy Sea Hawk helicopter pulled the 55-year-old sailor, whose name and hometown were not immediately released, from the stricken amid gusty winds and a strong swell. He was not injured.

The British yacht, which sailed from London in September last year, sent a distress signal yesterday afternoon after hitting a reef about 115 miles north of Australia’s Lord Howe Island. Lord Howe Island lies about 500 miles north-east of Sydney.

The navy sent a frigate from New South Wales state today in case the helicopter operation was unsuccessful, but it was not needed, the AMSA said.