There’s been an extraordinary rescue far off the coast of Western Australia, with a solo sailor found drifting in a tiny tender alongside his sinking yacht some 1000km away from Christmas Island.

The Canadian man had been attempting to sail from Darwin to Christmas Island when they struck trouble.

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An Australian Maritime Safety Authority jet located the sailor and his partly-submerged catamaran and was able to drop supplies, including a life raft, communication equipment, food and water for the sailor, while further rescue resources swung into action.

A Royal Australian Navy vessel had also steamed towards the area and its Seahawk helicopter was put into the sky to winch the sailor to safety, and then bring him back to the ship the HMAS Supply.

AMSA executive director of response and capability Alex Barrell said the successful rescue required coordinated search and rescue planning, as well as precision and expertise in the situation.

“This operation demonstrates Australia’s ability to coordinate a rapid and effective response across one of the world’s largest search and rescue regions,” Mr Barrell said.

The alarm had been raised by the sailor’s family in Canada after he had twice failed to check in as scheduled.

“This incident also highlights how quickly circumstances can change and deteriorate offshore and the importance of being prepared before heading to sea,” Mr Barrell said.

“Having reliable communications and a trusted person ashore who knows when to raise the alarm can make all the difference.”

“I commend our AMSA search and rescue officers and the rescue jet crew for their professionalism, experience and expertise in locating the sailor and delivering lifesaving supplies.

“These airdrops require a high level of accuracy and can be crucial to achieving a successful rescue outcome.

“This rescue is a powerful reminder that when agencies work together, share information and act quickly, lives can be saved, even in the most remote parts of our region.”