Cat Rescue Mission Reaches Korea

Media Release

3 December 2001

Rescue Mission Reaches Korea

THE WHISKAS mission to rescue stowaway cat Colin’s is underway today, with Westgate Tanker Terminal Superintendent Gordon MacPherson at the South Korean Port of Yeosu ready to collect Colin’s when she arrives.

The adventurous cat, who normally lives at Westgate’s tanker terminal, Port Taranaki, has spent the past two weeks on the methanol tanker Tomiwaka, after stowing away when it was in New Plymouth.

Whiskas spokesperson Jeff Herkt says the Tomiwaka has been delayed due to poor weather and the tanker is expected to dock at Yeosu later today.

“It’s not everyday a cat gets to go on a sea voyage,” he said. “She seems to be having the adventure of her life.”

Colin’s has been sleeping on the sofa in the second engineer’s cabin while on the Tomiwaka.

Westgate spokesperson Jon Hacon said Westgate had been working closely with MAF to obtain a permit to bring Colin’s home. “There are lots of conditions to meet and we’re respecting those,” he said.

Colin’s will travel in a sealed cage from the Tomiwaka to her Korean Air flight home, under the personal supervision of Mr MacPherson and a staff member from the Yeosu Quarantine Authority.

Mr MacPherson and Colin’s are expected back in New Zealand later this week.

“We’re all dead chuffed to see Colin’s coming back from her OE,” Mr Hacon said. “She’s been a bit of a naughty girl but we’re all looking forward to seeing her again. She’s a bit of Port history and a great companion to the staff here at the Port.”

Members of the public who want to send a message to Colin’s can email her on colins@westgate.co.nz.

ENDS

For more information:

Jeff Herkt – 64 21 973 829
Catherine Etheredge – 64 9 309 1494, 64 25 276 9712

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