In the early hours of 15 May, RFNS Timo—Fiji’s newest 39-metre Guardian-class patrol boat—was redirected following a Mayday alert relayed by Australian authorities. Triskele had suffered rigging damage, run out of fuel, and was battling heavy seas. One commentator described conditions as “gnarly” this season.
The crew were brought safely onboard the Timo, and the yacht is now under tow to Viti Levu. The response was coordinated by Fiji’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), operating from the new Maritime Essentials Services Centre, in close contact with Australia’s JRCC.
Both this rescue and last week’s Lucky Jonny operation show the value of strong regional coordination and modern patrol assets. The Timo, commissioned in February under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, is expected back in Nadi waters later this week.
