24 April 2005
The following are updates to the attached media releases issued earlier today:
Instead, a fishing vessel has arrived on the scene and is taking the yacht under tow, after putting a crewman on board. The vessels will head for Easy Harbour on the western side of Stewart Island, a trip which is anticipated to take around four hours. Expected time of arrival is around 4:00pm this afternoon.
Samoan Fishing Boat Rescue
The Russian containership Vladivostok has reached the two boats and is offering assistance, including food, water and other supplies. The Air Force Orion is returning to New Zealand.
A second, smaller containership is en route to the fishing boats, but its time of arrival is not known at this stage. It is hoped that the fuel and and other equipment on board this vessel will enable them to return, with the containership as an escort, to port under their own steam. The Vladivostok will stay with the fishing boats until the second containership arrives.
Stewart Island Yacht Rescue
The 71 year old solo yachtsman requested that he be taken of his yacht. It was thought that the man could be winched off by helicopter, but he is too exhausted for this to be done.
For further information contact:
Maritime New Zealand Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
