Search for sailor lost overboard 550km north of NZ
13 June 2016)

A search is underway for a sailor lost overboard from a yacht 550km (300 nautical miles) north of New Zealand.

The Rescue Coordination Centre NZ was advised at 11.20am today (Monday, 13 June) that one male had been killed and another man, in his 60s, knocked overboard from the 20m yacht, Platino, which had suffered serious rigging damage in winds of up to 75km/h (40knots).

Three other people are on board the yacht, which is in contact via satellite phone.

RCCNZ Search and Rescue mission coordinator Keith Allen said an RNZAF P3 Orion that was already operating in the area was on the scene within 90 minutes of the incident, and a commercial fishing vessel is heading to the area.

A second RNZAF Orion has since replaced the first aircraft and will continue searching until nightfall. If required, searching will continue at first light tomorrow. The search area is out of range of all but fixed wing aircraft.

“Sea conditions are extremely dangerous and the remaining crew on board the Platinohave advised that it is too hazardous to be on deck. With limited ability to manoeuvre safely, the yacht is motoring to New Zealand, but this could take at least two days. The fishing boat is expecting to be at the scene by around 7pm but it will not be possible to search in darkness.”

ENDS

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