A significant search and rescue operation was initiated after a yacht capsized off Lady Elliot Island near Gladstone, Queensland, on Sunday morning. The yacht, carrying three experienced sailors, was traveling from Yeppoon to Brisbane when it encountered trouble roughly four nautical miles south of Lady Elliot Island. An emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) was activated around 5am, prompting immediate response efforts.
Rescue operations involved multiple vessels, police divers, and a Bundaberg-based rescue helicopter. At approximately 10.15am, the helicopter located two men clinging to the overturned vessel. These two men, a father aged 62 and his 27-year-old son, were both airlifted to Bundaberg Hospital in stable condition.
Sadly, the third man, aged 65, was later found deceased by police around 2pm. Authorities believe a snapped keel may have caused the vessel's capsizing. A report will be prepared for the coroner.