Capsized vessel’s Salvation shows the value of float-free EPIRBs

Rescue Coordination Centre NZ organised the rescue of four lucky fishermen whose catamaran CFV Salvation capsized at 3 am this morning in large swells, 25 nautical miles North East of American Samoa.

The four people on board perched on the 33 foot fishing vessel’s upturned hull and huddled together in the cold until daybreak. In the morning light, the catamaran's owner swam under the capsized vessel and retrieved its EPIRB locator beacon which he then set off.

Rescue Coordination Centre NZ received the beacon alert from the vessel at 0700 this morning working closely with local rescue services and directing them to the location. A Police Patrol Boat from Pago Pago, which was carrying out training at the time, quickly responded to the request and was on the scene in 45 minutes. They found the people in the water and returned them safely to land. All four are in good health.

“If there’s anything to learn this situation it’s that boat owners should consider a float-free EPIRB. They detach when boats sink and alert rescuers to your location,” said Search and Rescue Officer Drew Coleman.

“These people had also registered their beacon. It meant that when we received their alert we knew key details – such as who owned the vessel and their contact details – that helped us speed up this rescue and save their lives,” Coleman said.

Rescue Coordination Centre NZ is responsible for a search and rescue region which covers 30 million square km stretching from Antarctica almost to the equator.

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