RCCNZ coordinates yacht rescue 2

5 June 2012 - 6.00am

The yacht Beau Geste is making its way towards Norfolk Island, accompanied by a fishing boat that joined the stricken vessel overnight.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is coordinating the rescue of 18 people on board the yacht, which sustained damage while participating in the Auckland to Noumea yacht race.

Beau Geste sought assistance from RCCNZ around 7pm yesterday, advising the yacht had suffered damage to its hull and decking and was in difficulty around 100 nautical miles east of Norfolk Island.

Overnight, the yacht made good progress towards the island and is now around 17 nautical miles south east of Norfolk Island with all 18 crew on board.

The fishing vessel joined Beau Geste about 3.30am NZ time and is accompanying it towards shore.

RCCNZ search and mission coordinator Tracy Brickles said the cargo vessel Winchester Strait, which had responded to RCCNZ's call for assistance, had been released overnight.

"The Beau Geste is working to get as close to Norfolk Island as possible and they are making good progress at the moment.

"The crew will wait for daybreak (around 7am NZ time) to properly assess the damage on board and ideally look to anchor the yacht as close to shore as they can."

Ms Brickles said a nearby bulk carrier was also available to provide shelter to Beau Geste from the conditions if required.

The wind and sea conditions were currently easing.

The crew was made up of New Zealanders, Australians, Chinese, with one American on board. They are all safe and well.