This may shed some light on it ....
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Defence to support Sunderland rescue
The Australian Defence Force has forward deployed two Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Cocos Island to provide support if required to the recovery of the stricken yachtswoman Abby Sunderland whose yacht is adrift midway between Australia and Africa in the Southern Ocean.
If needed, one of the AP-3C Orion will fly to Mauritius to refuel and will then fly south and provide coordinating support for civilian ships that have responded to the yachtswoman’s emergency beacons.
Despite the fact that Abby Sunderland has been found, the Royal Australian Air Force has continued to deploy its AP-3C as a contingency. If required, the aircraft will also be able to drop emergency supplies to the yachtswoman.
This support is being provided at the request of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664