In the Coral Sea off Australia’s east coast, an inflatable catamaran is in distress after several shark attacks. The three men on board, two Russians and a Frenchman, were on their way to Cairns from the South Seas island of Vanuatu, the Australian news agency AAP reported on Wednesday.
In the middle of the Coral Sea, a tributary of the Pacific Ocean, the nine-meter boat was attacked by predatory fish, causing serious damage to both hulls. When the Tion was about to capsize about 835 kilometers southeast of Cairns, the men called the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
All sailors saved
This informed a freighter sailing near the catamaran and dispatched an aircraft. The crew of the ship Dugong Ace eventually got the sailors on board and said everything was fine. The rescued are expected to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday.
Reason for shark attacks unclear
Inflatable mini-catamarans several feet long are popular with sailors, according to Australian broadcaster ABC boat trader Tim Rice. Usually they would be used on lakes and for shorter trips between islands. But he had never heard of a nine-foot inflatable catamaran used to cross an ocean, the expert said.
“Something that size probably has several rooms. So if a shark pierces one of these, the boat will still float,” said Rice. This probably saved the lives of the prisoners. Why the sharks attacked the boat is unclear.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
