Two female travelers were rescued by a passing cruise liner following a distress signal sent from a superyacht in waters off NSW mid-north coast.
The nation's marine safety authority was told after 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4, the Masteka 2, with 6 on board, had lost steering and was taking on water 280 nautical miles north east of Sydney.
The cruise ship Carnival Spirit, which was en route to New Caledonia, responded after the alert came in.
Two female passengers on the 37-metre multi-million dollar yacht came onboard and underwent medical checks.
The remaining four male crew members chose to remain on the yacht and were able to get the leak under control after the Australian Maritime Safety Authority organised an air drop of two de-watering pumps.
Tug boats are en route from Sydney but aren't expected to reach the yacht until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
The cruise ship stayed at the scene for several hours before continuing on to the Isle of Pines. The rescued women could stay onboard until it docks in the New Caledonia capital of Noumea.
The Masteka 2 ship cruise hire is USD 3000 an hour. The ship has 3 decks, top-deck hot tub, and sleeps up to 12 guests.