On 13 February a 10m ketch, the “Sandpiper” with two experienced sailors left Lakes Entrance, Victoria bound for Tasmania.  After crossing Bass Strait they reached Deal island, off the north west coast of Flinders island, the following day.

Weather conditions deteriorated as the vessel continued along the East coast of Flinders Island, to a point where the crew decided to reach shelter at Lady Barron.

Gale force winds whipped up seas to 5m as the vessel was blown some 10miles off shore, despite the vessel being under power.  After two days of battling the weather conditions the vessel run out of fuel.

During the evening of 21 February, a radio distress signal was received by the Tamar Coastguard, requesting fuel be supplied to the vessel. The owner of the vessel had also received broken ribs whilst being tossed about the sea unmercifully for the previous two days. An Abalone diver from Lady Barron travelled to the stricken vessel, and provided the fuel, despite the continuing rough sea and wind conditions. 

An engine failure then struck the vessel, which was subsequently towed by the Abalone diver back to the safety of Lady Barron.

The owner of the vessel was taken by Police to the Whitemark hospital where he was admitted suffering from the cold, fatigue and broken ribs.  The lone crewman was uninjured despite the ordeal.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296