11 February 2007
The Navy’s Hydrographic and Survey Vessel, HMNZS RESOLUTION, intercepted a mayday call from a stricken fishing vessel late on Saturday afternoon, quickly responding to the aid of fellow mariners in distress.
RESOLUTION was in the vicinity of Mahia Peninsula during survey operations when she responded to the distress call from the stricken fishing vessel, reportedly flooding fast.
RESOLUTION proceeded immediately to the reported position of the stricken vessel and once visual contact was made, the ship’s sea boat (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat) was launched with diesel spate and a two man salvage party onboard. On arrival at the stricken vessel, the salvage party commenced pumping the flooded engine room bringing the flooding under control and quickly identified the source of the leak as a broken stern gland water cooling pipe. The salvage team successfully repaired the damaged pipe and on ensuring the skipper and crew were safe and the fishing boat stable, returned back to RESOLUTION.
RESOLUTION escorted the fishing vessel into Napier last night, before proceeding back to continue her survey duties in shipping lane 4 off the Mahia Peninsula.
RESOLUTION is due to arrive back into the Port of Napier between 15 – 19 February to take part in the Art Deco Weekend.
ENDS
For further information or requests for interviews, please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Manager, Ph: (09) 4455002 or Mob: 021-2440638