NSW: Distressed yacht reaches Newcastle Harbour

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2007
NSW: Distressed yacht reaches Newcastle Harbour

SYDNEY, Dec 17 AAP - A damaged yacht escorted by a Navy ship and the water police has
arrived safely in Newcastle Harbour.

The five-member crew of the 11 metre racing yacht Mumbo sent a distress call about
5.15am (AEDT) today after the vessel's keel fractured.

HMAS Manoora and a water police vessel headed to the boat, which was about 28km south
of Newcastle on its way from Townsville to Sydney.

Initial reports indicated everyone but the skipper would be evacuated, but the Mumbo
sailed into the NSW harbour under escort about 9.45am, docking at Newcastle Yacht Club,
a water police spokesman said.

AAP vpm/was/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: YACHT

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.