14 June 2016

NZDF Orion Continues to Assist with Rescue

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-3K2 Orion aircraft is assisting Maritime New Zealand with the rescue of the crew from the stricken yacht Platino.

Acting Air Component Commander Group Captain (GPCAPT) Tim Walshe said: “The Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion has facilitated the rendezvous between the merchant vessel Southern Lily and the Platino in addition to searching for her lost crewmember. The weather conditions in the area remain rough, with 2.5-metre swells, light rain, and visibility reduced to around 10 kilometres.”

A RNZAF Orion left Whenuapai at first light today to resume the search for the missing sailor.

ENDS