“Taking into account the fact that two days of searching has failed to locate the Manoah, that nothing has been heard from the vessel since it left New Zealand five weeks ago, and a possible search area of several million square kilometres, we have decided to suspend the aerial search for the vessel”, said Mr Wilson.
“The search will continue, however, with vessels passing through the area being asked to keep a look out for the Manoah, and we will continue to broadcast messages in the hope that they will be picked up by the vessel. The situation will be reviewed, however, should further information come to hand.
“It is possible that the Manoah is still making its way to Raratonga, but has been delayed for some reason and is making slower passage than anticipated”, said Mr Wilson.
“Clearly though, everyone is now very concerned for their safety,” he said.
The Manoah has now been at sea for 38 days after setting out from Nelson on 8th June for Rarotonga. On board are Australian skipper Gary Cull and his Nelson partner Verona Hunt.
Mr Wilson said that the immediate families of Mr Cull and Ms Hunt were being kept informed of progress throughout the search.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
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