Search for missing yacht called off

The search for the classic racing yacht Nina is being called off a month after its crew was last heard from.

The seven-strong crew of the 84-year-old wooden vessel, which was travelling to Australia from the Bay of Islands, was last in touch on June 4, when the ship encountered a storm.

Over the last 11 days, there have been nine extensive searches over an area more than eight times the size of New Zealand.

However, an Air Force P3 Orion search plane sent out to look for signs of the yacht have made no sightings of the vessel, its liferaft or debris.

Shoreline searches by fixed wing aircraft and helicopters also failed to find the vessel.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) today said no more active searches for the vessel were currently planned.

RCCNZ operations manager John Seward said the process for considering a formal suspension of all active searching was now underway.

He said regardless of that decision, the RCCNZ would continue to evaluate all available information and any new information that may come to light.

He said transtasman maritime radio broadcasts were continuing.

The RCCNZ obtained a text message this week that was sent from 18-year-old American crew member Daniella Wright which she sent via the boat's satellite phone on June 4.

The message revealed the Nina was affected by the storm, but the RCCNZ said it gave no indication of immediate distress.

The vessel, owned by American David Dyche, 58, was heading from Opua for Newcastle, Australia.

Mr Dyche was travelling with his 60-year-old wife, Rosemary, their son David, 17, and well-known maritime technology expert Evi Nemeth, 73.

British man Matthew Wootton, 35, and American Kyle Bruce Jackson were also travelling with the family.

 

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