New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

1 July 2009

Royal New Zealand Air Force And French Navy Rescue Family

A RNZAF C-130 Hercules from Number 40 Squadron and a French Navy ship have combined to save a family of eight who called for help using a piece of fishing line. The C-130 was dispatched on a search and rescue mission at 8:30pm last night to aid a distressed yacht approximately 200 nautical miles north of New Zealand.

The yacht Carenza had been dismasted and was foundering in heavy seas. The Hercules made contact with the Carenza and all 8 passengers (2 x adults and 6 x children) were fit and well, but very scared.

The Air Force crew contacted the French Naval Ship La Glorieuse which was on its way to New Zealand, FNS La Glorieuse then changed course to assist the stricken yacht.

The seas were too heavy to attempt a transfer of the passengers to the French vessel which arrived just after 11pm. It was decided the crew of the yacht were safe to remain aboard overnight and a successful transfer was conducted at 6.30am this morning.

With the French vessel on overnight vigil, the Air Force Hercules returned to Whenuapai at approximately 12.30am.

"Once we made contact with the crew of the stricken yacht, they were very relieved to have us overhead knowing help was on the way. The sea state was hard to pick in the dark, but at least a sea state 5 or 6 with very big white caps."

“It’s no wonder they were all a bit scared. The skipper managed to manufacture an HF aerial of sufficient strength and accuracy out of a fishing line to raise Taupo Maritime radio which was very innovative. "

“There is some real satisfaction resulting from a successful mission like this," said Commanding officer of 40 Squadron, Wing Commander Darryn Webb.

FNS La Glorieuse is due to dock at approximately 8.00am on Thursday 2 July and will berth at Princes Wharf West.

ENDS

Background Notes:
No. 40 Squadron RNZAF
Today, the Squadron is one of the force elements under the command of the Air Component Commander JFHQ. Located at RNZAF Base Auckland on Whenuapai airfield, the Squadron operates five C130H Hercules and two Boeing 757-200s. Squadron personnel strength is around 180. Annual flying hours for the Squadron are approximately 3,500.

The Squadron forms the Fixed Wing Transport Force of the New Zealand Defence Force Elements and provides:

strategic air transport,
tactical air transport,
support to the government,
support to the NZ Antarctic Programme,
disaster relief and humanitarian operations,
aeromedical evacuation,
civil defence support in NZ and the South Pacific and
VIP air transport.

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