NEWS

37-metre superyacht in distress off the coast of Australia

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The 37-metre superyacht Masteka 2 is in distress 260 kilometres east of Port Macquarie. Her emergency beacon signal was picked up Tuesday morning. The Australian Maritime Safety Service (AMSA) contacted the yacht's crew by satellite, whose members reported that the vessel had lost control and was gaining water.

Two cruise ships in the vicinity of Masteka, Carnival Spirit and Pacific Pearl, responded to AMSA's call for assistance. Carnival Spirit was the first to arrive on the scene and used the rescue boat to evacuate two of Masteka 2's six crew members and resupply food and fuel to the stranded boat.

An AMSA rescue plane dropped two dewatering pumps and additional satellite phones to the four Masteka 2 crew members who wished to remain on board and attempt to rescue the boat. They successfully pumped out the water and were able to plug the leak. A tugboat was hired from the shore for the yacht. It is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday evening and tow Masteka 2 back to shore.

Built in 2009 by Kha Shing Enterprises Co., Masteka 2 is one of the South Pacific's most renowned luxury charter yachts. She is valued at $20 million.

The boat, which has 5 passenger cabins, is positioned as the largest motor yacht available for charter in Sydney. Masteka 2 starts at $3,000 per hour and costs $40,000 for a 48-hour charter.

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