A cruise ship has come to the rescue of a luxury superyacht that sent out a distress call off the NSW mid-north coast this morning.
Just after 5am, the superyacht Masteka 2, with six people on board, lost steering and started taking on water about 260km from Port Macquarie, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (ASMA) said.
The Carnival Spirit, which was nearby traveling to New Caledonia, responded to the distress call and diverted its path.
Two female passengers from the 37m multi-million dollar vessel boarded the cruise liner, with the remaining crew choosing to stay on the beleaguered boat to attempt repairs.
The crew members who remained on board were able to get the leak under control after ASMA organised an air drop of two de-watering pumps.
Tug boats are en route from Sydney but aren't expected to reach the yacht until 6pm tomorrow.
The cruise ship remained on the scene for several hours to monitor the vessel, but has since continued on to Isle of Pines.
The rescued woman will stay on board the cruise ship until it docks in the New Caledonia capital of Noumea.
Masteka 2 boasts three levels and a hot tub on the top deck and costs $3000 per hour to hire, and sleeps up to 12 guests.