Just after midnight on Friday 8 February, Tasmania Police responded to calls for assistance from a yacht that had run aground in waters just off the coast north-west of Wynyard.

The two people on board reported they had run aground on rocks in the area near Fossil Bluff/Table Cape.

Tasmania Police responded with resources on land and in the water and deployed the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

About 5:45am, the vessel began taking on water.  The police vessel was unable to access the stricken yacht safely in the conditions – and a police rescue swimmer was winched into the water from the helicopter.

The officer swam to the yacht and assisted one of the crew to shore, before returning and rescuing the second person.

All three were then winched to safety.  The crew members did not require medical assistance.

The two people on board the 42 foot yacht were prepared for time at sea.

“Even well prepared and experienced people can run into difficulties at sea,” said Inspector Adam Spencer.

“Tasmania Police urges everyone to ensure they are well prepared before heading to sea, and to ensure their vessel is equipped with the required safety gear and is capable of the journey,” he said.