Trans-Tasman rower to continue journey

DATE: 24 FEBRUARY 2010 TIME : 10AM

Trans-Tasman rower to continue journey

A solo rower attempting to cross the Tasman from Australia to New Zealand will continue on his journey this morning after issuing a distress signal last night.

Shaun Quincey activated the emergency button on his tracking system around 9pm yesterday after his rowing boat, Tasman Trespasser II, flipped twice in heavy seas.

The rower was just inside New Zealand Search and Rescue waters, having travelled around 1451km since leaving Australia on 20 January 2010.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) spoke to Mr Quincey on his satellite phone last night. Mr Quincey decided to get some rest and wait out the night, and RCCNZ remained on standby to launch a rescue operation if required.

RCCNZ mission coordinator Geoff Lunt said he spoke to Mr Quincey again this morning and the rower advised he intended to continue with his journey.

“He has checked over the vessel this morning in daylight, and he lost less equipment than he first thought,” Mr Lunt said.

“All his emergency equipment is in good working order, he has excellent communications and he’s comfortable about continuing on his way.”

Mr Quincey is currently around 680km west of New Zealand’s west coast. The conditions are currently 30 knot winds, decreasing to 20 knots with between a 1m and 5m swell.

RCCNZ will continue to monitor the rower as he made his way towards New Zealand.

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