And a third chopper on its way out. Just now, Tuesday afternoon 15th.

If you meant today then someone has gone overboard on a bulk carrier in that area.

I hope they find him. If my boat was going I'd go out and search too, I sail that area all the time.

Perhaps this is what they were chasing:
'Yacht carrying drugs intercepted near Newcastle, part of ongoing investigation'

Reported Sydney Herald Saturday 18th, but intercept may have happened earlier in the week.