The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released a statement that it is responding to a superyacht in distress off the coast of Port Macquarie, New South Wales. 

AMSA Search and Rescue detected emergency beacons registered to the 37m motoryacht Masteka 2, with six people on board at 5.03am (AEDT) on 4 October, about 260km east of Port Macquarie.

According to the release, AMSA established satellite communications with the crew, who reported that the vessel was taking on water and had lost steering.

The cruise ships Pacific Pearl and Carnival Spirit responded to AMSA’s broadcast call for assistance. The Carnival Spirit diverted to the area and helped evacuate two crewmembers from the Masteka 2 using its fast rescue boat. The remaining crewmembers elected to stay with the vessel to attempt repairs.

AMSA has tasked its Brisbane-based Dornier search and rescue aircraft to the area, where it is dropping two dewatering pumps to assist with repair efforts. Carnival Spirit will remain on scene to monitor the vessel and provide further assistance as required. 

AMSA is well-known for its detailed incident reporting, and will be sure to release any further information of importance upon investigation, which SuperyachtNews will keep readers up to date with.

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