Solo NZ yachtsman found in liferaft

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) has been coordinating the search for a lost yachtsman since 6.15am Saturday November 18. We're glad to report they have had some success in the expansive search area.

Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Dave Wilson said RCCNZ responded when a distress beacon from the yacht Waimanu was activated.

Mr Wilson said a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules aircraft was sent to the location of the beacon, and a cargo ship, Norfolk Guardian, was diverted to the location.

The C-130 found the yachtsman in Waimanu’s liferaft. The Norfolk Guardian arrived on the scene of the life-raft around 3pm today.

The Kiwi yachtsman is now on board Norfolk Guardian and due to arrive at Norfolk Island at 11pm tonight.

Waimanu is a 10 metre sloop. It is not yet known what has happened to her. There is a strong 30 knot southerly wind blowing at the location of the liferaft, and the sea is rough with three metre swells.

Meantime, a second serious rescue was underway for a second yacht in distress north of New Zealand.

The RCCNZ was in contact with
a Norwegian yachtsman whose damaged yacht, Ilanga, is in 50 knot winds
and very heavy seas.

The yachtsman is the only person on board and activated his EPIRB (distress beacon) at 4.14pm today.

Senior
Search and Rescue Officer, Mike Roberts, said Ilanga has damaged sails
and rigging and a broken window, and had taken on some water but is not
in danger of sinking. There has also been a fire in an electrical panel.

Ilanga was 140 nautical miles Northeast of Cape Brett.

RCCNZ
has diverted a merchant ship, MV Southern Lily, to come to Ilanga's
aid. Southern Lily was due to meet the yacht at about mid-day tomorrow (Sunday).
Mayday calls are continuing to be relayed in case another ship might be
closer.

A New Zealand Defence Force P-3K2 Orion flew over Ilanga
this evening and will return tomorrow to help Southern Lily rendezvous
with her.

More at Maritime New Zealand.