At midday, the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ diverted the next closest vessel, a 67-metre-long New Zealand cargo ship Southern Tiare, to rescue the crew.
RCCNZ mission controller Neville Blakemore says the weather conditions are atrocious and will be far from pleasant for the pair, who are both injured and exhausted.
"They're battling extremely high seas and 50-knot strong winds, and the weather's not expected to improve much over the next couple of days.
“They know they’re in for a long wait, as the crew from the Orion were able to relay that to them over VHF radio. The distance is too far for a helicopter to rescue them, and Southern Tiare is the closest vessel in the vicinity. However, an Orion will drop off more supplies and a life raft tomorrow. Then they’re got another 24 hours or so to ride out the weather while they wait for the Southern Tiare to rescue them.
“Friends and family of the pair are also in for a very long wait. This is certainly not an easy time for anyone.
“In the meantime, the Maritime NZ radio centre is continuing to broadcast requests for other vessels in the area to go to their aid. However, the likelihood of another vessel being in the area is very low,” he said.
The Janette Gay is about 780kms northeast of the Chathams Islands. The Southern Tiare is to the southwest, about 850kms away.
The couple are in their 40s. RCCNZ still cannot release their names at this time, as Police are still informing next of kin.
The woman has an injured arm, and the man has head, hip and back injuries. Further information about their injuries is not known.
Southern Tiare is a cargo ship that travels a regular route between the Chatham Islands, Tonga and Niue.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
 ››Back to media releases
|
