A coordinated search and rescue operation led by the Fiji Navy has seen the successful rescue of a French national whose yacht was sinking off Noumea.
According to Navy Commander John Fox they received the distress call yesterday morning.
Fiji Navy patrol boats were then put on standby whilst simultaneous distress messages were sent out to other ships in the area.
Fishing vessels Solander II and Solander IV were nearest to where the yacht – Clin D’Oeil was taking in water.
Solander VI arrived at the scene at about 4.30 in the afternoon and rescued the 79 year-old French national but could not recover the yacht.
The ship will call into port in Suva on Monday.
Immigration and Customs officers will meet with the man upon arrival.
The French Embassy in Fiji has been informed of the incident.
