A cargo ship was standing by a crippled yacht northeast of
New Zealand last night waiting for daylight to try to rescue
the crew.
The 5000-tonne refrigerated freighter Maunakea was in radio
contact with an injured man and a woman aboard the dismasted
yacht Janette Gay.
An RNZAF Orion found the yacht wallowing in heavy seas and
strong winds after it sent a mayday call. The Orion circled
the area, keeping an eye on the yacht until after the
Maunakea arrived. The aircraft then headed for Auckland
about 10pm.
New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre spokesman Lindsay
Sturt said late last night the freighter's skipper reported
the ship did not have search or floodlights, and conditions
made it too risky and difficult to attempt a rescue bid in
darkness.
"But they are in radio contact and we understand the
injured man is in a reasonable condition," Mr Sturt
said. "We believe he has a back injury. The woman is
unhurt and is okay."
The Orion found the yacht 780km northeast of the Chatham
Islands, about halfway between New Zealand and the Cooks,
the yacht's destination.