Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
French yacht crew winched to safety
media release
DATE
TIME
18 FEBRUARY
2008
4.15PM
French yacht crew winched to
safety
Ten sailors whose yacht overturned 80 nautical miles (145km) east of Dunedin today have been winched to safety by three rescue helicopters and are en route to Dunedin.
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) facilitated the rescue response after its equivalent in France called at 1.20pm (NZDT) to report it had picked up a signal from the vessel’s 406Mhz Emergency Position indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
RCCNZ was able to speak to the crew via satellite phone and confirm that all on board the French trimaran Groupama III are uninjured. All were dressed in survival gear when they were picked up form the yacht’s hull.
The yacht was taking part in the Jules Verne Round the World Yacht Race when it overturned.
Weather in the area consists of 2m swells and south-westerly winds of 30 knots.
More information will be made available as and when it becomes available.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
