Life saving Darwin marine officers honoured for rescue

THREE Darwin marine professionals have been recognised for a remarkable rescue in Darwin Harbour that medical staff say likely saved the life of a missing yachtsman who had been adrift and disoriented for weeks.

Marine pilot Chris Cridland, pilot launch master Rawson McCrae, and crew member Joshua Witkin have received the Australian Maritime Officers Distinguished Lifesaving Award, presented by the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU), for their vigilance and decisive actions during the rescue of 75‑year‑old sailor Digby Campbell.

The incident began when Capt. Cridland noticed a yacht behaving unusually while returning from a pilotage of a gas carrier. Concerned by the vessel’s slow progress, he asked Mr McCrae to investigate.

When the launch crew approached the yacht, they found Mr Campbell in a distressed state — suffering severe sunburn, swollen feet and ankles, and clear signs of confusion. He had run out of food and water and had lost his navigation and communication equipment after a large wave swamped his vessel 150 nautical miles from Darwin, disabling his electronics.

With no functioning systems and unable to effectively sail, Mr Campbell had reportedly spent around 36 hours standing to maintain control of his sails.

The officers immediately offered assistance and coordinated a multi‑agency response involving Darwin Port, Australian Border Force and emergency services. After securing the yacht at anchor, they transported Campbell ashore for urgent medical support.

In a moment that underscored the seriousness of the ordeal, a Border Force officer greeted the sailor with the words, “Digby, we’ve been looking for you for three weeks".

Medical personnel later advised the rescuers that had Campbell remained at sea for another half‑day, the outcome may have been fatal.

AMOU industrial officer Renee Ker, who presented the award, praised the officers’ judgement and seamanship.

She said the rescue demonstrated why professional mariners are held in such high regard: From Capt. Cridland’s initial observation to Mr McCrae and Mr Witkin’s investigation and coordination, “every decision reflected exceptional seamanship, professionalism, and care for a fellow seafarer".

Mr Campbell, an experienced mariner of more than 50 years, later shared a beer with the rescuers and explained that pride,  and later disorientation, had prevented him from calling for help. He had departed East Timor with three weeks of provisions for a six‑day passage, rationing supplies as conditions deteriorated.

“I was really lucky those boys were on the job that day,” he told them.

AMOU president Matthew Jepson said the union was proud to honour Mr Cridland, Mr McCrae and Mr Witkin.

“Their actions embody the very best traditions of the maritime profession and serve as a reminder that mariners look after one another, whether they are colleagues or complete strangers.”

The AMOU also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of Darwin Port, Australian Border Force and emergency services in ensuring Mr Campbell’s safe recovery.