HomeNew Zealand NewsIncidents on the waterBack-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific

Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific // Photo credit: Republic Of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division / Facebook

Incidents on the water

Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific

Just six days after the Australian Navy rescued four sailors from Lucky Jonny in the Pacific, the Fiji Navy has carried out another dramatic offshore rescue—this time involving the yacht SV Triskele, 170 nautical miles northwest of Nadi.

Written by Boating New Zealand

16 May 2025

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 from SV Triskele are taken off their yacht by the crew from RFNS Timo. Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific // Photo credit: Republic Of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division / Facebook

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.

This is the second yacht rescue within a week in the seas off Fiji. Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific // Photo credit: Republic Of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division / Facebook

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.

RFNS Timo towing SV Triksele back to land in a multi-day rescue. Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific // Photo credit: Republic Of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division / Facebook

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