DATE: 14 AUGUST 2009 TIME : 12.45PM

Search for missing vessel suspended

The search for a vessel reported missing near the Hen and Chickens islands south east of Whangarei has been suspended pending further information, following an extensive but unsuccessful on-water and aerial search this morning.

A fixed wing aircraft from the Philips Search and Rescue Trust in Taupo and a helicopter from the Northland Emergency Services Trust have been searching since around 9am for the vessel, the East Coaster, which made a Mayday call at 1.30am today.

RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator Mike Roberts said the distress call indicated there were four people on board and the vessel was in trouble. No further broadcasts have been received. A recording of the call is available at: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/news/media-releases-2009/20090814c.asp

Extensive searching by the Navy vessel Pukaki, and a Coastguard vessel overnight and early today have failed to find any sign of the East Coaster. Both vessels are now returning to port.

The aircraft are now also returning to base and will remain on standby, after covering a search area of around 150 square nautical miles (around 280 square kilometres).

Mr Roberts said the search had been extremely thorough, focusing both on the islands and the surrounding ocean. “Trained observers on board the various aircraft have reported being able to identify gulls floating on the water, so if there was any sign of wreckage, people or anything else in the water, then they would have been seen by now. However, if any new information comes to light, we may re-initiate a further search.”

Mr Roberts said public assistance was still being sought from anyone who may have information about the East Coaster and where the vessel may have gone. The vessel was understood to be blue and white. Police were also continuing to make inquiries, he said.

“We are still unclear as to who owns the East Coaster and what type of vessel she is. This is certainly unusual and we would really appreciate any information the public may have.”

Mr Roberts said weather conditions in the area were poor, with winds gusting from 20 to 30 knots, high seas with 2 metre swells and low visibility.

Anyone with any information about the East Coaster is asked to please contact RCCNZ, Maritime Radio on Channel 16, or the local police.

ends

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