DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 411/08
Saturday, 20 December 2008
ARUNTA RESCUE POSSIBLE FOR TONIGHT
The Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Arunta is ahead of its forecast rescue
schedule and is expected to make contact with the yacht Generali and its badly
injured skipper, Frenchman Yann Elies, later tonight (20 December 2008).
Based on current weather conditions, the Anzac-Class frigate is likely to be within
reach of the Generali at approximately 9:00pm AEST.
At this time, the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Stephen Bowater will
make an assessment on the rescue options for the French sailor.
The sailor is believed to have suffered a broken femur. A doctor has deployed with
HMAS Arunta to provide emergency medical assistance to the injured sailor.
The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, AM, CSM, RAN, said that Navy
responds quickly to emergency requests, because a number of ships and their crews
across Australia are on standby for contingencies such as this.
“The Australian public can be confident that the Navy stands ready to provide help
and assistance where and when it is required,” Vice Admiral Crane said.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
