Four sailors rescued after sperm whale collision in South Pacific

Four sailors were rescued after their 16-meter yacht, the Tai Tam, was struck by sperm whales in the South Pacific. The incident occurred approximately 250 nautical miles north of Norfolk Island.

The crew, consisting of two Australians, one New Zealander, and one Frenchman, reported that a sudden impact from a group of six to eight sperm whales caused severe damage to the vessel. The collision damaged the rudder and caused fractures in the hull, leading to flooding.

After an 18-hour struggle to contain the water and stabilize the boat, the crew was forced to abandon the yacht and move to a life raft. The vessel subsequently sank. An international rescue operation coordinated by sea and air successfully recovered the crew at dawn.