Search for Platino crew member lost in Pacific Ocean is suspended

by Sail-World.com on 15 Jun 2016 Maritime New Zealand have advised that the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) has suspended the search for the sailor lost overboard from the yacht Platino on Monday morning, 550km north of New Zealand.

The man, in his 60s, is understood to have been relatively lightly clothed and not wearing a lifejacket.

An RNZAF P3 Orion aircraft was on the scene within 90 minutes of the incident but despite searching over two days no sign has been found of the missing man.

RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator Ramon Davis said the decision to suspend the search was taken only after a full review of the search operation.

“At this point, we are satisfied that we have taken all possible steps to find the missing man – but sadly we have found no trace of him. Expert advice indicates the maximum survival time for a person in the water in this area has now been exceeded. We have therefore made a decision to suspend the search,” Mr Davis said.

“This is obviously an extremely difficult time for the family and our thoughts are with them.”

RCCNZ has issued a notice to ships travelling through the area to be on the lookout for the man.

Sail-World understands that a tug has left New Zealand to rendezvous with the 66ft Platino. That boat is believed to have an NZ Police officer on board responsible for the recovery of the deceased.

There has been no indication as to whether an investigation will be held. That process will be fully determined if the Platino is able to be brought back to New Zealand.

Previous incidents in international waters, such as the Cheeki Rafiki have been difficult to investigate because the boat sank before salvage experts and investigators were able to board. As the boat was North Atlantic and in international waters, no body was directly responsible to conduct an investigation.

The investigation role was taken up by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch of the OK's Depart of Transport as she was British registered boat and the crew of five who were lost were all Britons, although the nearest coast was Nova Scotia.