While transiting from Singapore to Christmas Island, HMAS Wollongong was tasked to respond to a vessel in distress which was eventually located approximately 52 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung (Cape) Layar, West Java. The Australian warship remains in close proximity to the vessel this morning and is continuing to monitor it closely. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority reports the vessel is slowly traveling south towards Christmas Island under its own power.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said the distress call was received at 4.30am today when the boat 50 nautical miles south of Indonesia.
”The boat has rung, said it’s in distress, that it’s taking on water,” Mr Clare told ABC Radio. ”Whenever you have a call like that, you take it seriously.”
Though there are no obvious visual signs that the vessel is in imminent danger, a full on-board assessment has not been made due to poor weather conditions in the area.
HMAS Leeuwin remains en route to the area in order to provide further support and is due to arrive this evening.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 108,948 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset intercepted and monitored the Russian spy ship Yantar as it passed through the English Channel, marking the vessel’s...
The U.S. Coast Guard announced an immediate surge of assets along America’s maritime borders following executive orders issued by the White House. The announcement comes amid leadership changes at the...
Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino responded "be serious, be serious" on Wednesday when asked in Davos whether he was concerned the U.S. would invade after President Donald Trump said he would take back the Panama Canal.
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 108,948 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
