RNZAF P-8A crew finds four sailors after yacht hits whale

The RNZAF aircraft was tasked by Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) after RCCNZ received an alert from an EPIRB from the 51ft Australian flagged yacht Tai Tam at approximately 1pm Saturday, New Zealand time. 

The yacht was taking on water after hitting a whale, forcing its four crew to abandon ship and take to a life raft.

Crew on the P-8A established two-way radio communications with the yacht’s crew and vessels in the area that were diverted to assist with the rescue.

The sailors spent several hours in the life raft before being rescued at around 6am by the crew of the MV SOFRANA SURVILLE, a 143m cargo vessel who was first on the scene.

Rescue Coordination Centre Operations Manager Mike Clulow praised the coordination between the agencies and vessels involved in the rescue.

“This was a well-coordinated and executed rescue, and I’d like to thank our partners at the New Zealand Defence Force for their assistance, along with the assistance of JRCC Australia and MRCC Noumea who provided support. Our thanks also extend to crew of the MV SOFRANA SURVILLE and a private sailing vessel who effected the rescue. 

“The crew of the yacht did all the right things, and it was unfortunate to have struck a whale in open water. They were well prepared and the early activation of their EPIRB was key to helping get them to safety. It is an excellent reminder that being prepared when going to sea can save your life,” Mike Clulow said.

The four sailors were this morning onboard the MV SOFRANA SURVILLE and being taken to the nearest port to disembark.