Kota-Jaya Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On the night of May 14, 2012, a daring rescue mission unfolded along the Victorian Coast as a couple stranded on a troubled sailing catamaran was airlifted to safety. The vessel, which had faced treacherous seas before running aground in a secluded area, prompted a swift response from Marine Rescue NSW, the Victorian Police, and the merchant ship known as the 'Kota Jaya'. The alarm was first raised when Marine Rescue Eden received an urgent distress call from a nearby ship that had intercepted the catamaran's emergency broadcasts. Since early morning on May 13, the catamaran had been emitting SOS signals on Channel 16, but due to its remote location near Wingan Inlet in Victoria, communication had been severely compromised. Despite the catamaran's attempts to contact the two closest Victorian Volunteer Coast Guard stations at Mallacoota and Paynesville, their signals went unheard. Luckily, the alert from the 'Kota Jaya' allowed Marine Rescue Eden to spring into action, directly reaching out to NSW Police Force Marine Area Command in Sydney, which in turn alerted Victorian Water Police. After establishing communication with the stranded couple via Channel 81, a VHF repeater channel situated on Mt Imlay, they were assured that help was on the way. Gabo Island Lighthouse also joined in the effort, monitoring the situation closely. Given the couple's isolated location and lack of mobile phone service, Marine Rescue Eden made arrangements to inform their worried friends and family waiting for them in Eden. In a remarkable display of teamwork, a Victorian Police officer from Mallacoota made the arduous journey to reach the couple—first driving and then hiking for an hour to arrive at the beach where the catamaran had come to rest. Following this, Victorian Water Police coordinated a helicopter rescue operation, safely transporting the couple to the nearby beach while the catamaran was secured for subsequent recovery.