The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has successfully coordinated a complex search and rescue operation approximately 1,000 kilometres east-south-east of Christmas Island, demonstrating Australia’s ability to respond rapidly to emergencies in some of the most remote parts of its search and rescue region.
Commanding Officer HMAS Supply Commander Kylie Turnbull, RAN, greets rescued member on board HMAS Supply during Regional Presence Deployment 2026.
A solo Canadian sailor travelling from Darwin to Christmas Island failed to make two scheduled calls to family in Canada, prompting his brother to alert AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) – Australia.
AMSA promptly tasked its dedicated rescue jet to search a vast and remote area of the Indian Ocean. Using satellite positional information, the crew successfully located the sailor’s partially submerged catamaran and found the sailor nearby in the vessel’s tender. The rescue jet dropped life-saving supplies, including a life raft, emergency beacon, communication equipment, food and water for the sailor.
Royal Australian Navy Supply class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel HMAS Supply supported the rescue, repositioning to assist and tasking its MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which successfully retrieved the sailor and brought him safely aboard.
AMSA Executive Director Response and Capability Alex Barrell said the rescue was a strong example of coordinated search and rescue planning, strong and reliable national capability and the importance of being prepared before heading out to sea.
“This operation demonstrates Australia’s ability to coordinate a rapid and effective response across one of the world’s largest search and rescue regions,” Mr Barrell said.
“From the initial alert raised by family members overseas through to the deployment of AMSA’s rescue jet and support from HMAS Supply and its embarked helicopter, multiple agencies worked together to achieve a successful outcome.
(L-R) Lieutenant Noah Learoyd, RAN, Leading Seaman Aircrewman Justin Howes, Lieutenant James Craig, RAN and Leading Seaman Aircrewman Daniel Heuston after conducting a successful Search and Rescue with HMAS Supply’s embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter during Regional Presence Deployment 2026.
“This incident also highlights how quickly circumstances can change and deteriorate offshore and the importance of being prepared before heading to sea. Having reliable communications and a trusted person ashore who knows when to raise the alarm can make all the difference.
“I commend our AMSA search and rescue officers and the rescue jet crew for their professionalism, experience and expertise in locating the sailor and delivering lifesaving supplies. These airdrops require a high level of accuracy and can be crucial to achieving a successful rescue outcome.
“I also extend my appreciation and thanks to the Australian Defence Force, particularly to the crew of HMAS Supply and Seahawk helicopter, for responding to our call for assistance and in their role in successfully bringing the sailor to safety.
“This rescue is a powerful reminder that when agencies work together, share information and act quickly, lives can be saved, even in the most remote parts of our region.”
Leading Seaman Aircrewman Justin Howes and Leading Seaman Aircrewman Daniel Heuston assist rescued member from HMAS Supply’s embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter during Regional Presence Deployment 2026.
AMSA reminds all mariners and sailors of the importance of being prepared before embarking on trips, especially if they are going to be travelling solo: carry appropriate safety equipment, have an emergency beacon, wear a life jacket, prepare a voyage plan – and tell someone your plans.
For more information, visit www.amsa.gov.au
