Sailors stranded on yacht in Bass Strait

Two sailors are stranded aboard their disabled yacht in Bass Strait, off Victoria's
south-west coast.
Four Water Police officers are aboard a rescue boat battling strong southerly winds
and rolling seas in a 10-hour trip to reach the sailors, a water police officer told
AAP.
Police are expected to reach the men before 9pm on Friday.
Police were informed about 8.30am on Friday that the 10-metre yacht had broken down
90 nautical miles from Portland and 70 nautical miles from King Island.
The two men sent a distress signal that was picked up by an AeroRescue plane in the
area.
The sailors are not believed to be injured or in any danger and have adequate
supplies and safety equipment, the officer said.
Police lost communication during the day with the sailors, who were believed to be
en route from Adelaide to Strachan on Tasmania's west coast.
A rescue plane will guide the Water Police boat as it gets close to the men and the
yacht will then be towed to either Victoria or King Island.