The Rescue Coordination Centre of NZ (RCCNZ), which is co-ordinating the rescue, is sending an Air Force Orion to the area to locate the yacht. The Orion is due to leave Auckland early this afternoon.
RCCNZ SAR Mission Controller Geoff Lunt said that the Rescue Centre had also arranged for the nearest vessel in the area to go to the yacht’s assistance, with an estimated time of arrival of 7:30pm this evening.
The RCCNZ received a mayday radio call from the yacht earlier this morning, but problems with the vessel’s radio mean that it is unable to receive messages from the Centre. The yacht’s satellite distress beacon has also been activated.
“ Once the Orion has located the vessel, we are hopeful that we can use the Orion as a communication platform to relay information while keeping the yacht under surveillance until they can be picked up by the rescue vessel”, said Mr Lunt.
It is understood that the yacht was on a voyage to the Cook Islands.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
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