Maritime VHF radio delivered to yacht Luna

22 September 2016: 5:15pm

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is delivering a maritime VHF radio to the skipper of the yacht Luna, which had been the subject of a search and rescue operation.

Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Mike Roberts said RCCNZ has arranged for Coastguard to deliver a fully charged, hand-held VHF radio to the yacht this evening.

Mr Roberts said Coastguard has dispatched one of its units and the radio will be delivered to Luna shortly.

The skipper of the Luna, an inexperienced 20-year-old sailing on his own, will be shown how to use the radio and keep a regular schedule of calls to Maritime Radio Service.

“The skipper left a vague trip plan, and seems to have had no working communications equipment since Friday last week. Even when two search aircraft located him he was unable to communicate his intentions or report on his condition,” Mr Roberts said

“We want boaties to always leave a detailed trip plan with family, a friend or a boating organisation, and to take at least two forms of communications that will work when wet. A registered distress beacon is also highly recommended for all boats”.

“If we don’t know where you are going and you cannot call, then you cannot be rescued if you get into trouble.”

More information about boating communications equipment is on the Maritime NZ website at
http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational/safety/communications/

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