India, Oct. 2 -- A pod of sperm whales collided with a 16-metre private yacht in the remote South Pacific, severely damaging the hull and forcing four international sailors into a harrowing 18-hour fight for survival.

The vessel, named the Tai Tam, ultimately sank approximately 250 nautical miles north of Norfolk Island, prompting a massive coordinated rescue operation led by New Zealand maritime authorities.

The dramatic maritime emergency highlights the unpredictable hazards of open-ocean sailing, culminating in a successful multinational effort that safely recovered all crew members without major injuries.

Sperm Whale Sinks Yacht: How Did The Whale Collision Occur?

The catastrophic encounter unfolded when the sailing crew unexpecte...