1 November 2005
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand has overnight been coordinating the rescue of two Americans onboard a dismasted yacht, about 65 kilometres northeast of Tonga.
A New Zealand Air Force Orion on a routine flight from Whenuapai to Tonga located the yacht Tandem having picked up an activated distress beacon at 6.30pm last night. The 50-foot yacht had lost its mast in poor weather, and it was taking on water.
RCCNZ arranged for a British yacht, Sunook, to set out from Tonga to help rescue the crew.
At midnight Sunook rendezvoused with Tandem, by which time weather conditions had eased, and the crew had managed to stop Tandem taking on water.
Sunook is towing Tandem back to Tonga, and other vessels are waiting to assist the Tandem in to Tongatapu harbour. The Sunook is 35-foot-long, so it is a very slow journey to Tonga.
RCCNZ Mission Controller Geoff Lunt says the crew of Tandem were well prepared for the journey as they had a 406 MHz distress beacon, flares and a life raft on board.
“Their preparedness made it so much easier for them to call for help, and for us to find and communicate with them.
“The crew of Sunook described the yachties as ‘positively chipper and greatly relieved to see help arrive’. The Americans are now having a much-needed sleep, and they’re looking forward to a hearty meal being prepared for them when they arrive,” he said.
The vessels are now about 8 miles out from Tongatapu, and they have about four hours to go as they’re only travelling at a speed of 3 knots.
For further information contact:
Maritime New Zealand Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
