Melville’s mercy dash
By LEUT Mhanda Tokesi
Source: Australian Navy News
May 20, 2004
HMAS Melville recently went to the rescue of a 14m catamaran sinking off the coast of Cairns.
A “PAN” emergency message saw the hydrographic ship HMAS Melville dash to the assistance of a 14-metre catamaran with three men and two women aboard near Cairns.
The five were later evacuated to the 2,550 tonne warship.
On May 20 the master of the Bagatelle radioed he needed assistance because his yacht was up on Scott Reef, 25nm south east of Cairns.
The yacht had earlier left Dunk Island.
CMDR Tony Withers and his ship’s company were exercising in the area at the time, answered the distress call and made best speed to Scott Reef.
CMDR Withers swung his ship’s company into action launching a seven member Initial Response Team led by LEUT Mhanda Tokesi.
The crew found it difficult to reach Bagatelle due her position on the reef during the low tide and the numerous coral shoals around her.
 The stricken yacht had significant flooding to her port demi-hull, the port engine was damaged, the starboard rudder was gone and there was damage to the port rudder.
Melville’s team used ship’s fire pump to draw enough water from the port hull to reveal a number of medium sized holes along its entire length.
There was a crack under the port engine.
While initial pumping seemed to work strong winds arrived and pushed the yacht further on to the reef.
Larger holes developed.
As the tide lifted the vessel more water entered the vessel at a rate the Naval team could not stop.
As sunset approached Bagatelle was anchored and her five occupants were evacuated to Melville.
The five spent the night on the ship before being landed in Cairns at noon the following day.
The master then joined a private tug to return to the yacht for a salvage attempt.
CMDR Withers praised the actions of his ship’s company in particular the Initial Response Team for their professionalism and efficiency in safely providing assistance to the stricken vessel.
Pictures of Bagatelle in Cairns after being salvaged HERE
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