TE MANA RESCUES SAILOR ADRIFT IN STORM

Great Barrier Island. Strong winds then caused it to drift out to sea.

Police had attempted to rescue the sailor in the police launch after he had issued a Mayday call, but conditions were too severe, forcing it to turn back. Helicopters reached the vessel but could not attempt a winch.

conditions to allow a Rigid Inflatable Hull (RHIB) seaboat and four crew to attempt a rescue. The sailor, wearing a life jacket, left his vessel and was plucked from the sea by two Navy divers on board the RHIB.

The Northland Rescue Helicopter was also on the scene and provided overwatch for the safety of all involved.

TE MANA deployed into the Hauraki Gulf on Monday 13 February as part of a search and rescue mission for the catamaran yacht. Its anchor cable had snapped, and the yacht had grounded in Port Fitzroy,

HMNZS TE MANA was brought into the search that evening, and, after searching for the vessel overnight, TE MANA received new details about the location of the vessel after an emergency locator beacon was activated.

Arriving at the stricken yacht, TE MANA’s team had to circle the vessel, waiting for the weather

Maritime Component Commander Commodore Garin Golding said sea conditions had been challenging and everyone involved was pleased the person was safely on board the ship. The sailor was disembarked at Devonport Naval Base.