Update on search for missing yachtsman

15 February 2012 - 6.00am

The Rescue Coordination Centre advised that overnight searching continued for missing yachtsman, 56 year old Russell Rusbatch and preparations are underway for continuing the search today.

New Zealand navy Inshore Patrol Craft HMNZS PUKAKI carried out a shoreline search of Mayor Island with the aid of searchlights overnight, after responding to MAYDAY RELAY broadcasts from RCCNZ, and subsequently started searching further offshore.

Tauranga Coastguard will be taking a Land Search and Rescue Team to Mayor Island to carry out a search of the coastline on foot at first light, whilst the Coastguard vessel conducts a further shoreline search in daylight.

Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Mike Roberts said,” Our analysis supported by the evidence shows that it is likely Mr Rusbatch was intending to anchor off Mayor Island in an area called Honeymoon Bay. Our search will focus on that area today. Weather conditions are favourable.”

RCCNZ began the search for 56-year-old Russell man Richard Rusbatch, about 9am yesterday, following the discovery of his unmanned 38 foot, single-masted yacht, the Honfleur by a member of the public 11 nautical miles east of Mayor Island in the Bay of Plenty.