Authorities have launched a search for a missing yacht and
its sole occupant, who have failed to arrive in Gisborne on a
voyage from Tauranga.
The Rescue Coordination Centre in Wellington said an aerial
search began today for the 11-metre yacht Tafadzwa, which
left Tauranga on Friday morning.
Search coordinator Keith Allen said the skipper called his
partner on his cellphone about 1.30pm Friday but police were
called when he failed to arrive at work yesterday.
A search plane carrying three observers left Hamilton at
10.30am to search the coast and ocean off the East Cape
between Tauranga and Gisborne. Mr Allen said they had not
determined the extent of the search area, because they did
not know how far offshore the yacht had sailed.
The yacht was well equipped with an emergency locator beacon
and flares but the skipper has not responded to marine radio
broadcasts. He had a VHF radio, but may not have it turned
on.
Mr Allen said while today's forecast was for four-metre
swells, there were greater concerns the yacht had been hit by
the severe southerly storm which moved up the east coast on
Friday night.
He said the naval vessel Manawanui was diverted early today
to investigate reports of a flashing light in the Bay of
Plenty, but it was a light attached to a long line.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.