Tuesday 1 March 2005

Missing vessel found, seven people safe and well

The fishing vessel missing northeast of Samoa has been found and the seven crew on board are safe and well.

RCCNZ Mission Coordinator John Ashby says an Airforce Orion found the Breanna Lynn at about 10am in a bad state with no power or working engine.

“The windows had been blown in when the cyclone hit, and the crew had boarded them up and pumped out most of the water. The vessel’s life raft was lost during the cyclone.

“The crew were incredibly relieved when the Orion reached them, as they had no means of communicating their distress other than a 406 distress beacon. The good news is that all the crew are safe and well,” he said.

The Orion is staying on scene to assess the vessel and ensure it will be safe. The fishing vessel Apera II is expected to rendezvous with the Breanna Lynn late tonight and will tow the vessel to safety.

The weather in the area is abating as Cyclone Percy heads southwest. The wind speed is currently about 35kms per hour.

Mr Ashby says that the Breanna Lynn played a key role in the search and rescue of other vessels damaged by cyclones Olaf and Nancy about 12 days ago, which makes it a real pleasure to be able to help them out in their time of need.

ENDS

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