Thirty-two Burmese nationals have been rescued from a sinking ship by the Sri Lankan navy after the wooden vessel began to sink en route to Australia.

BBC: Burmese rescued off Sri Lanka 'threw dead into sea'

The prospect of sailing a 50-ton wooden vessel identical to those built 2, 600 years ago across the Atlantic might appear foolhardy, had Beale not already challenged maritime history two years ago.

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Six Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Marine Enforcement Officers serving aboard the Australian Customs and Border Protection Vessel Triton, and 12 members of the Australian Defence Force serving on the patrol boat HMAS Pirie, nominated by Australia, for rescuing 41 survivors from a small wooden vessel which had smashed against rocks off Christmas Island, in December 2010, with an estimated 70 to 100 persons on board.

FORBES: Korean Ship Captain Honored for Extraordinary Bravery at Sea