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At the moment we are in the process of setting up for a tow of FV Janas, which is a fishing vessel that has lost its main engine. The vessel made initial contact this morning to advise of its predicament but at that stage did not ask for assistance. By about 0700 the situation changed somewhat and they asked if the Aurora Australis could possibly tow them to sheltered waters in the lee of Macquarie Island.
We immediately set course to the ship's position, which at that stage was about 32nm to the South East of Macca. As we were transiting, options were looked at for recovering our remaining helicopters from the island but in the interest of expedience it was decided to head towards the stricken vessel.
Visual contact was made at around 1000 and preparations commenced to set both vessels up for the tow. A ship tow is a complicated process requiring a high degree of seamanship skill on both vessels involved in the evolution, especially when one has no propulsion. As I write this the Aurora is moving in position to pick up the first line from the FV Janas.
Regards
Rob and Andy
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.