Southern Ocean Rescue HMAS Adelaide (ll)
HMAS Adelaide under the command of Captain Graydon Gates, stands by to take on board lone yachtsman Tony Bullimore after an epic Air/Sea operation that attracted world-wide interest and acclaim. The sailor and his yacht Exide Challenger were taking part in the French Vendee Globe solo around the world yacht race which left Les Sables dÁlomie on 5 November 1996.
A broken keel resulted in the yacht capsizing in the Southern Ocean at Latitude 52 degrees South. He survived by remaining inside the upturned hull until rescued days later.
His faint distress signals were received by a RAAF Orion surveillance aircraft, which relayed his approximate position to HMAS Adelaide. When located, he was extracted from the yacht by a RIB crew and transferred back to HMAS Adelaide.
- About Robert Carter (OAM)
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Robert Carter was born in Sydney in 1931. He grew up in Manly, a harborside suburb, during World War II. His father was a shipwright and naval architect, and his grandfather served as a master mariner on British sailing ships. Carter’s fascination with ships and the sea began during those formative years.
Throughout his career, Robert Carter has achieved remarkable milestones. He was the founder of the Australian Society of Marine Artists (ASMA), an organization dedicated to promoting marine art and fostering collaboration among artists with a shared passion for maritime subjects.
Carter is the author and Illustrator of many books. Over 40 of his marine paintings grace the pages of his book, “Windjammers – The Final Story”. His book “Paint Me A Ship” reflects on his approach to marine art and provides a history of ASMA.
In 2011 Robert was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for Services to the Arts through the research, illustration and recording of the history of the last commercial sailing ships.
- About HMAS Adelaide (ll)
HMAS Adelaide(II) (FFG-01) was a long-range escort frigate with roles including area air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction. The ship could simultaneously counter threats from the air, surface and sub-surface. Adelaide was built in the United States. She was the first of six Adelaide Class guided missile frigates to be delivered to the RAN.
Adelaide is best remembered for her involvement in the rescue of yachtsman Tony Bullimore.
More reading
- Additional resources for Robert Carter (OAM)
- Additional resources for HMAS Adelaide (ll)
