5 February 2007
Rescue Coordination Centre NZ has this morning been coordinating a rescue for the crew aboard V5 – a yacht sailing in the round the North Island yacht race.
(See editor’s note at bottom of release)
Unable to alert nearby yachts they were in trouble via radio, the 13 crew all put their lifejackets on and had a life raft ready, if needed to abandon the yacht.
RCCNZ Mission Controller Mike Roberts advised the skipper to let a flare off to try and attract attention of any nearby yachts competing in the race – that flare raised the attention of the yacht WIRED whose crew are now in radio contact and on route to V5’s position.
The yacht is positioned about 25 kilometres to the south of 90 mile beach.
Mr Roberts said Hokianga Coastguard is leaving at first light (5am) to also assist the crew.
Given tidal conditions, RCCNZ expect the yacht to be accompanied into Hokianga Harbour around midday.
For further information contact:
Maritime New Zealand Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
