Rescued | Gympie Weather | Local Weather Forecast for Gympie

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TOP Sydney to Hobart super yacht Ausmaid was the centre of a major rescue drama that almost came unstuck off the Cooloola Coast yesterday, after the vessel rolled and was dismasted in savage seas.

With all electrical systems down, the yacht's skipper radioed Tin Can Bay Coast Guard about noon on a hand-held marine radio and, amid appalling ocean and radio conditions, notified the yacht's position, about eight nautical miles off Teewah.

Noosa Coast Guard took over the rescue operation when it was realised they were closer and, as the drama unfolded, The Gympie Times contacted helicopter rescuers, seeking photos of the action.

That call alerted the AGL helicopter rescue service of the yacht's position near Double Island Point, countering a communication problem and potential disaster, as the airborne rescue service prepared to fly to Bribie Island instead.

The yacht's crew activated their EPERB emergency beacon, triggering a Commonwealth response and the chopper crew located the vessel about 1.30pm, winching the skipper from the deck and flying him to Maroochydore with back injuries.

Further drama followed for remaining crew on the yacht, when the Coast Guard crew reported they were at the yacht's last known location, but could not see it.

Helicopter rescuers reported similar difficulties seeing the yacht in terrifying flying conditions and almost nil visibility, but later reported on marine radio that they had airlifted remaining crew.

A Noosa Coast Guard official lauded his crew's “outstanding performance” in towing the yacht back across the Noosa bar.

The yacht was on its way to Brisbane to compete in the Brisbane to Gladstone Easter yacht race.