Vic: Medic hurt as four rescued from stricken yacht

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2009
Vic: Medic hurt as four rescued from stricken yacht

MELBOURNE, April 26 AAP - A paramedic was injured as he helped winch four people to
safety from a stricken yacht in Bass Strait, off the Victorian coast.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the vessel had demasted in stormy weather
40 nautical miles (about 70km) off Orbost, in Victoria's far east.

Victoria has been lashed by a cold snap, with high winds and hail.

A MICA ambulance helicopter was called to the scene from the Latrobe Valley about 3.15pm
(AEST) on Sunday.

"Apparently the vessel was on its maiden voyage and the skipper built the yacht himself,"

Mr Mullen told AAP.

The four people aboard the yacht were aged between 30 and 65.

The paramedic was hurt as the fourth passenger was winched from the boat.

"He has somehow injured his leg. It doesn't appear to be fractured but it's very sore,"

Mr Mullen said.

The four yachties arrived at the East Sale RAAF base, near Sale, about 6.20pm.

They were transferred to hospital in Sale.

"They were all OK, but one has hypothermia," Mr Mullen said.

The paramedic will be taken to the Traralgon Hospital for treatment.

The departure point and destination of the yacht is not known.

AAP jrd/ht/

KEYWORD: YACHT

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