Media Release
14 April 2017
NZDF SEARCHES FOR YACHT IN DISTRESS
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is helping search for a yacht that activated its emergency beacon yesterday
afternoon about 1600 kilometres east of the Chatham Islands.
Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the Air Component Commander, said an AirForce P-3K2 Orion aircraft left Whenuapai in Auckland
early this morning and was expected to arrive at the yacht’s position about mid-morning.
“Our priority is to locate the yacht, establish communications with the skipper and provide assistance if required,” Air
Commodore Webb said.
The 10.6-metre yacht is skippered by a 64-year-old Polish man on a solo round-the-world voyage. The yacht, which is
equipped with a VHF radio and a life raft, left Auckland on 18 March and activated its distress beacon about
3pmyesterday.
Air Commodore Webb said the Orion would relay the yacht’s position to a commercial vessel in the area that had been
contacted by Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) to come to its aid. The commercial vessel is expected to
reach the yacht later tonight.
The NZDF launched the search and rescue operation following a request from RCCNZ.
ENDS