26 June 2005
Two French nationals will be rescued this morning after their yacht Maine lost its rudder and began taking on water about 210 kms North East of Cape Brett.
The yacht was found at 4.45am this morning after the crew fired a flare as the aircraft approached.
The container ship Capitaine Wallis will divert from its Fiji to Auckland route, pick up the two crew and return them to Auckland.
The weather in the area is poor with strong winds and a heavy swell but both sailors are believed to be in good condition.
Meanwhile a RNZAF Orion aircraft is expected to leave Whenuapai at around noon today to continue the search for the crew of the missing yacht Bluenose.
Maine was three days into a voyage from Auckland to Noumea when it struck trouble.
French authorities contacted Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand around 9.30pm last night and a Taupo based aircraft was sent to locate the yacht.
For further information contact:
Maritime New Zealand Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
