In the early hours of Wednesday morning (about 09:30 boat time on Wednesday 4 March) the Spirit of Mystery was sailing in strong winds and high seas about 300 Nautical Miles South South-West of Kangaroo Island off Adelaide, South Australia, when she was struck by a large wave.

The vessel was knocked over and crewman Mark Maidment injured – he has broken his right leg between knee and ankle. Mark was taken below and treated by the crew who administered morphine and applied a splint. He is in a stable condition on board and in good spirits.

The crew were able to contact their support team in Melbourne, who alerted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Communications with the vessel have since been sporadic, but they have intimated that the remainder of the crew are fine and at present the boat is sound and seaworthy and making good progress in improved conditions towards Australia.

AMSA’s dedicated Dornier Search and Rescue aircraft has over flown the vessel and a doctor has been able to establish two-way communications to offer advice. AMSA is now coordinating communications and assessing the best way to deal with the casualty and the situation.