A yachtsman and his cat who were rescued off the West Australian coast by a container ship have been reunited following medical treatment.
Grant McDonald set off his emergency beacon last Friday after his yacht began taking on water south of Steep Point, about 277 kilometres north of Geraldton.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) asked the bulk carrier Shi Dai 8 to divert to the area where they rescued Mr McDonald and his cat, named Major Tom, from a liferaft.
Major Tom the cat is hoisted on board the bulk carrier Shi Dai 8 while the crew manoeuvre the life raft to bring his owner Grant McDonald on board. Credit AMSA
On Saturday Mr McDonald was transferred by helicopter to Geraldton for medical treatment, but unfortunately Major Tom was unable to accompany him on the flight.
The Shi Dai 8 arrived at Geraldton Port this morning where Mr McDonald attended the ship to collect Major Tom and thanked Captain Tang Jianbing and the crew for their help in his rescue.
Major Tom is reunited with his owner Grant McDonald by Captain Tang Jiangbing. Credit AMSA
Related articles
- Yachtsman and dog rescued from grounded boat
- Seadog (and cat) gallery
- Swiss solo sailor rescued by liner
- Official report into the Cheeki Rafiki tragedy
AMSA also wishes to extend its thanks to Captain Jianbing and the crew of the Shi Dai 8 for their assistance in this rescue and to the ships agent SeaCorp for organising the safe return of Major Tom.