Rescue teams have been deployed to save the lives of two pensioners stranded aboard their yacht off the coast of Australia.
The two men, both in their 70s and from New Zealand, have been adrift in the Tasman Sea for 36 hours after their vessel confronted huge storms 164 miles off the coast of Lord Howe Island.
The men set off their emergency beacons at around 5am local time, sparking the launch of the rescue teams.
However due to their remote location and the severity of weather conditions, they will not be reached for several hours, according to ABC News.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) said: “AMSA has responded its Melbourne-based challenger rescue aircraft along with multiple Royal Australian Air Force aircraft which have been overhead since yesterday.
"The NSW Police vessel Nemesis and two merchant vessels are en route but are not expected to reach them until this afternoon and evening."
Their vessel is believed to have sustained serious damage as mammoth ten-foot waves smashed against its hull, causing it to take on water.
Photos released by the authority seemed to show its mast broken in two, leaving the vessel unable to sail.
Amsa added: “AMSA has been in contact throughout with the crew and their family and all are in good spirits.”
