One dead after 12 Metre yacht Capsizes

At approximately 5 am on the 31st of August 2008 a 12 metre yacht travelling from Gisbourne to Tauranga capsized about 14km off shore between Mayor and Motiti Islands.

The yacht lurched to its side before tipping portside causing the mast to flounder in the water.

The yacht stayed like this for about half an hour allowing the occupants to work through emergency procedures.

Eventually the 1 metre swell swamped the mail sail causing the yacht to completely capsize.

The two occupants managed to exit the yacht prior to it capsizing and were left clinging onto the upturned vessel.

One of the men on board has died as a result of the incident.

The other man has pulled himself up onto the upturned hull.

Both men are in their 50's and are from the Napier region.

A mayday call was made by the men and two flares were fired.

The flares were observed from land and the Coastguard was advised who located the yacht at 7.15am.

The surviving male is currently receiving treatment in Tauranga Hospital.

The yacht is yet to be salvaged.

The cause of the accident is yet to be established.

Names will not be released until the next of kin have been advised.