At approximately 5am this morning police were notified of a stricken vessel off Cape Barren Island.

The crew of the vessel reported that the “Seduction” a 34 foot yacht, had hit rocks and was taking on water, near Gull Island.

The five crew members on board abandoned the yacht into their life raft and were sighted by the police vessel “Protector 4” at about 6.26am this morning.

Shortly after all five crew were rescued from Gull Island by the crew of the PV Protector -4, without incident or injury and transported back to Lady Barren Island.

The “Seduction” was on return journey to Melbourne after participating in a successful Melbourne to Hobart race.  All involved were well prepared and organised.

AUSSAR received the initial mayday call and were coordinating; two fixed wing aircraft and the Westpac Police Rescue helicopter had been despatched.  All other assets were cancelled when the police vessel “Protector-4” sighted the crew.