‘He’s cold and feeling crook’: 75yo yachtie awaits rescue off Abrolhos

WA Water Police have deployed a Mid West Ports Authority vessel to retrieve solo yachtsman Gary Hill whose motorised vessel broke down near Snapper Bank, off the Abrolhos Islands on Monday. The Geraldton Guardian understands police have contracted a commercial operator to attempt to recover him. Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group was outside its capabilities due to weather and weight restrictions imposed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The large steel hulled yacht is at anchor in 3m seas and 2m swells. The rescue vessel is en route to collect Mr Hill and it is understood a decision will be made as to whether to tow the yacht back to shore. Mr Hill’s wife Penny said he first contacted Volunteer Marine Rescue on Monday when his engine failed. “They did come on the radio and ask if he was in distress and he said no, he would stay with the boat,” she said. “They were on the radio to him every few hours to make sure he was OK. “This morning when he came on the radio he said he needed to get off, he had not slept for a couple of days.” Mrs Hill said her husband had been unable to use the boat’s sails as strong winds were blowing in the wrong direction. “Weather is very bad and for the rest of the week. It is going to be pretty awful,” she said. “He has got food and water but medication is a worry because he is 75 and is running out of medication. “He is OK, but he is cold and feeling pretty crook. He said the banging of the waves on the steel hull was exhausting.” A WA Police spokeswoman said the yacht was was believed to be in no immediate danger. Snapper Bank is about 20 nautical miles offshore and about half way between Rat Island and Geraldton.