Yacht crew demands rescue - did they panic?

by BW Media roundup on 22 Apr 2009 New Zealand rescue resources were used twice this week to go to the aid of the three crew of a yacht in the Tasman Sea, who sited 'sail damage' and 'the fear of running out of fuel' for their demand to be airlifted off their yacht.

The 13 metre yacht Boundless, crewed by two men and one woman, set off a distress beacon on Monday after one of its sails was damaged in some heavy seas.

A New Zealand Air Force plane located the yacht about 200 nautical miles north east of New Zealand and overflew it, communicating by VHF radio. The crew said they were 'worried their stores of diesel may be insufficient for the completion of the journey.'

The Air Force then monitored the progress of the boat as it continued towards New Zealand, and the Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) sought to keep in touch via other ships in the area.

The next day, on Tuesday, the crew set off another distress signal, having made another 50 nautical miles progress. They told rescuers this time that 'they were concerned about their damaged communications gear and dwindling fuel supplies.'

Radio New Zealand reported that the RCCNZ then obliged by sending a helicopter with fuel supplies.

However, the crew opted instead to abandon the yacht and be winched into the helicopter. They were then flown by Northland Rescue Services Trust Helicopter pilot Peter Turnbull to Whangarei. He was quoted as saying, 'We'll get them down to a hotel for a warm shower.'

RCCNZ spokesman Ross Henderson said a navigational alert had been sent to warn other ships of its location, and it would be up to the owners to launch a salvage mission.

No mention has been made by the RCCNZ about who is to pay for the rescue.