75-year-old sailor rescued after more than a month adrift in Darwin Harbour
Veteran sailor Digby Campbell was found drifting in Darwin Harbour after more than a month at sea, having expected a six-day voyage.
Digby Campbell left Dili in early July aboard his trimaran, the Singapore Sling, but a freak wave off Timor-Leste destroyed his navigational equipment and most of his food. What should have been a six-day journey became a weeks-long ordeal.
Last month, maritime officers spotted the boat in Darwin Harbour and approached to check on it. Campbell was sunburnt, dehydrated, disoriented and had not eaten for three days.
His ankles were severely swollen from standing at the helm trying to steer into port for a day and a half. The three officers helped him safely to shore and into a waiting ambulance.
- 75 years old
- Age
- Singapore Sling trimaran
- Vessel
- More than a month
- Time adrift
- 3 days
- Days without food
Why it mattersThe rescue shows how quickly ocean conditions can turn life-threatening and how important it is to spot vessels in distress.
AustraliaThe 75-year-old Australian sailor was rescued in Australian waters by Darwin maritime services, highlighting the region's emergency response capacity.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 49 min ago
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