The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has been coordinating the rescue of two crew members from a 14.2m sailing vessel currently 164nm (305km) East of Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea.
AMSA's Response Centre was advised by a family member about 3am (AEST) yesterday that the vessel had encountered severe weather with 10m seas and high winds, the vessel has sustained damaged to its steering and began taking on water.
An emergency beacon was activated about 5am (AEST) yesterday morning.
AMSA responded with its Melbourne-based challenger rescue aircraft which has been in communication with the crew, and Defence responded with multiple Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, which have been providing overhead visual reassurance.
AMSA had also diverted two merchant vessels one of which is now in the area.
The NSW Police vessel 'Nemesis' is still en route and is expected to arrive about 11pm tonight.
AMSA has been in contact throughout with the crew and their family and all are in good spirits.
No further information is available at this stage.
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Video footage and images are available for download here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/CpuE4IxTGs