The Encounter only needs to make a minor alteration to her course, to reach Janette Gay. The master of Encounter has a life boat on board that he says can be lowered down the side of the ship to Janette Gay, if the weather conditions allow the crew to be rescued safely.
The Orion needs to be in the area at the time the vessels rendezvous, so it can help Encounter locate Janette Gay.
Further information from 7.30am update:
The latest weather forecast looks promising for Bruce Cox and Heloise Koretekaas, with the wind speed dropping to 15 knots, and the sea swell to 3.5 metres. The actual conditions will not be known until the Orion arrives in the area.
Rescue Coordination Centre NZ mission controller Geoff Lunt says any improvement in the weather conditions will make the couple’s long wait until the rescue vessel arrives much more pleasant.
"The Orion will drop a life raft to the pair, containing further medical and emergency supplies. We’ve also asked the Orion’s crew to send a cheerful message to family and friends.
"Overnight we’ve been monitoring the couple’s distress beacon, which at this stage is their only means of communication."
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
 ››Back to media releases
|
