A search and rescue operation is underway for a solo sailor who issued an emergency beacon signal during severe winds and eight-metre waves in the Great Australian Bight.
The beacon placed the Queensland-registered 6.5-metre sailing vessel about 630 kilometres west of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and 740km southeast of Esperance, Western Australia.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), who received the signal at about 4.50pm on Friday, have diverted a merchant vessel to the area. It is expected to arrive by Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, the Perth-based Challenger rescue aircraft arrived on scene at about 7.45pm and has been communicating with the sailor by radio.
Weather conditions in the area are severe, with winds estimated at 100-110km/h and waves reported to be between eight and nine metres.
