Lookout! – Issue 15
21 December 2009
Guidance notice – Issue 17:
Long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) equipment testing
21 December 2009
14 August 2009: 6.30am
The Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) is seeking assistance from the public in the search for a vessel believed missing near the Hen and Chickens Islands south east of Whangarei.
RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator Neville Blakemore said a Mayday was received from the vessel East Coaster at 1.30am today. The distress call indicated there were four people on board and the vessel was in trouble.
However, no further broadcasts had been received.
Mr Blakemore said a helicopter and a Coastguard vessel had searched the area overnight but had not seen any sign of the East Coaster.
“If anyone has any information about this vessel, we would really appreciate hearing from them,” Mr Blakemore said.
“We need to know who is on board, where they might be going, where they regularly travel. We urge anyone who may know those on board to get in touch with the RCCNZ.”
Mr Blakemore said conditions in the area were fairly bad with winds gusting from 20 to 30 knots, high seas with 2 metre swells and low visibility.
This morning, a Navy vessel and a Coastguard vessel will be searching the area. Conditions will not currently allow an aerial search, but this will be reviewed a little later in the morning.
Anyone with any information about the East Coaster is asked to please contact the RCCNZ, or Maritime Radio on Channel 16 or the local police.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318