It could take days for rescuers to reach a solo Indian yachtsman who is said to be severely injured in remote waters more than 3000 kilometres west of Perth.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is co-ordinating the rescue of Golden Globe Race competitor Abhilash Tomy, a naval officer described as one of India's most prominent sailors.
Race organisers say the 39-year-old hasn't been heard from since he sent a text message overnight, saying: "ROLLED. DISMASTED. SEVERE BACK INJURY. CANNOT GET UP."
An AMSA spokesman told AAP they'd arranged for a nearby French fisheries patrol vessel to go to the scene but it could take days to reach and rescue the injured skipper.
In the meantime, an Australian Air Force aircraft is en route and is expected to arrive to view the yacht's condition on Saturday night.
Other yachts involved in the non-stop around-the-world solo race may also be able to check on the yacht.
Race chairman Don McIntyre in a release on Saturday morning said they were receiving a tracking signal from the yacht but the batteries had a limited life.
"The fact that Abhilash has been unable to make contact via text or sat phone, nor set off his emergency beacon is unusual and suggests that he remains incapacitated," he said.
Share
