A TEAM of rescuers saved a UK national from a sinking yacht off the coast of Newcastle over the weekend.
The 26-hour operation saw the combined forces of NSW Police, Border Force and Marina Area Command take on rough seas to find the skipper stranded more than 70 nautical miles off the coast.
Reports a 50-foot Beneteau yacht was taking on water near Newcastle came in about 12am on Friday.
Port Stephens Water Police, with assistance from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, located the yacht 73 nautical miles off the coast about 10am.
In rough seas, the vessel and sole occupant - a 40-year-old UK national - were towed to Newcastle Harbour, arriving about 1.30am Saturday.
The skipper was processed through immigration by Australian Border Force officers, before being escorted by police to a hotel in Sydney's CBD where he will undergo mandatory quarantine.
The vessel remains moored at Newcastle Harbour.
No further details have been released at this time.
