Yachtie rescued off NSW coast found hiding on rescuer’s ship

The man is due to reappear before Sutherland Local Court today after he was found to be in breach of bail conditions relating to an alleged sexual assault.

It is believed the man was intending to flee Australia.

Police said a bulk carrier headed for Newcastle came to the assistance of a yacht off the coast of Yamba about 10.30am on Saturday after it reported it had encountered trouble.

“The ship attached a tow line to bring the yacht towards the Newcastle offshore anchorage and a 31-year-old man, who had been onboard the yacht, was taken into a cabin on the bulk carrier,” police said.

“As the large ship entered Newcastle waters about 9pm the same day, it was discovered the tow line carrying the yacht had snapped – with the yacht lost in the process – and the 31-year-old man was missing.

“Officers from the Marine Area Command commenced an extensive search of the area that day, which continued into Sunday; however, the man was not located.”

When the bulk carrier anchored at Newcastle on Monday, NSW Police and Australian Border Force officials boarded with sniffer dogs and located the man hiding inside an air-conditioning vent.

“Subsequent checks revealed the man was in breach of his bail over an alleged sexual assault and he was arrested,” police said.

“During a search of the man, officers located and seized $4435 cash and a knife to undergo forensic examination.”

The Peakhurst man was initially taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with breach of bail.

Police allege the man had deliberately cut the tow line, and planned to hide on the ship until it was due to depart Newcastle for Malaysia.

He was refused bail and appeared before Newcastle Local Court on Monday where he was ordered to appear before Sutherland Local Court today.