KEY POINTS:
The four-person crew of the New Zealand yacht Sambaluka have been rescued by P&O cruise ship Pacific Sun from a reef off the coast of Australia.
The cruise liner changed course on its way back to Brisbane from Vanuatu to rescue the crew, who abandoned the yacht after they ran aground on Chesterfield Reef, about 500 nautical miles east of the Queensland city of Mackay.
The crew of four - a New Zealander, two Frenchmen and an American - set off a distress beacon at 6.30am NZ time, which was answered by the Pacific Sun, The Age reported.
An Australian maritime safety spokesman said the 14m Sambaluka was travelling from Noumea when it ran onto the reef.
Noumean authorities dispatched a plane to track the stricken yacht this morning and dropped a liferaft for the crew.
An Australian Defence Force Hercules left Townsville and should have arrived at the liferaft.
An Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) spokesman said none of the four men were injured.
"I understand they are wet, a bit frightened, but OK," the spokesman said.
The yacht is registered to a New Zealander Rob Cole but there is no confirmation that he is the New Zealander in the lifeboat.
The Pacific Sun - carrying almost 2000 passengers and crew - sighted the four about 5pm.
The liner was due to arrive in Brisbane at 6am tomorrow but her arrival and departure will now be delayed, the cruise company said.
- NZPA
