Couple rescued from Austrian yacht

An Austrian couple have been rescued from their 12.8m (42ft) yacht Gobo, 220 nautical miles (407km) east of American Samoa, after encountering difficulties for the second time in a week.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) said the skipper of the yacht made a distress call at around 11pm last night, indicating they were prepared to abandon ship.

An American Samoan based boat, FV Tifa Imoana, was close by and the couple were successfully transferred at around 9am this morning.

RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator Mike Roberts said the skipper reported ongoing problems with the yacht, including steering difficulties.

Last week, on 31 July, the skipper made a distress call by satellite phone to maritime rescue authorities in Germany, reporting a leak, damage to rigging supporting the mast, and an overheating engine.

The German authorities contacted RCCNZ, which arranged for the 55m (179ft) Canadian sail training ship (barque) Picton Castle to rendezvous and assist with repairs, including work on the shrouds supporting the mast, the water pump, and installing an auxiliary bilge pump.

“After those repairs, the skipper’s intention was to continue the voyage, but obviously conditions have since deteriorated,” Mr Roberts said.

“This was a serious situation in a largely empty area of ocean, and to successfully transfer the pair to the safety of the FV Tifa Imoana was a good result.”

The couple are expected to be delivered to Pago Pago in American Samoa in the next two days.

The yacht remains afloat at present and mariners will be advised of its position.

ENDS

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