Sail-World.com : Research Team Rescues Yacht in South Pacific

News Home

Text Only News

Marine Business News

Powerboat-World

Cruising Australia

Sail-World Racing

BoatsPlus

Sail-World.com : Research Team Rescues Yacht in South Pacific

Research Team Rescues Yacht in South Pacific

'Caro Vita aground - photo by Nautilus courtesy Matangitonga' .

When the team aboard the Nor Sky Research vessel, exploring the western Pacific Ocean's 'Rim of Fire' for high grade metals, heard the Mayday, they didn't hesitate. New Zealand yacht Caro Vita was stuck on Hakau Mamao Reef, in the northern area of the Tongatapu Island Group, and they went to the rescue.

The 53 ft Warwick cruising yacht was fully aground on the reef when the Nautilus Minerals team picked up the mayday call from about eight nautical miles away.

A New Zealand navy vessel was on the way to assist but the Nor Sky arrived first. The Nautilus team passed ropes to a fast rescue craft from the navy ship the Resolution to take to the stricken yacht and then Nor Sky was able to pull the troubled Caro Vita clear from the rocks.

The yacht was able to sail the rest of the way to safe anchorage at Nuku'alofa harbour. The Caro Vita is believed to be owned by Sail Marlborough Ltd. with skipper-owner Jo Ivory, and it is not known how many people were on board when the yacht went up on the reef. There were strong winds at the time.

The Nautilus securing Caro Vita - photo by Nautilus courtesy Matangitonga - .. .

Captain Roman Tarnowski of Nor Sky received a plaque and photo from the Resolution for his team's brave and prompt effort in the rescue.

Paul Taumoepeau of Nautilus Minerals Tonga said that the Nor Sky had been exploring about 200 nautical miles from Tongatapu and was underway to the Nuku'alofa harbour on October 6 to change personnel, 'a happy coincidence for the Caro Vita and her crew,' he said.

The dramatic pictures were taken by members of the Nautilus Team and given to Tonga's Matangitonga.to.

Caro Vita in happier times - .. .

Caro Vita towed clear of the reef showing shredded headsail - photo by Nautilus courtesy Matangitonga - .. .

To read more news - or subscribe - to the Matangi Tonga online, go to their WEBSITE

by matangitonga.to/Sail-World 9:13 AM Wed 8 Oct 2008 GMT

Click here for printer friendly version
Click here to send us feedback or comments about this story.
If you want to send this story to a friend, please use link below
http://www.sail-world.com/Cruising/Research-Team-Rescues-Yacht-in-South-Pacific/49572

Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:

Based on your current download speed Sail-World has delivered large images (660 pixels long side.) If you would like to see only small images (300 pixels long side) click here . For medium sized images (500 pixels long side) click here .

Our Advertisers are committed to our sport, please support them!
This site and its contents are © Copyright TetraMedia Pty.Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Photographs are copyright by law, if you wish to use an image from Sail-world.com, Powerboat-world.com or Marinebusinessnews.com, Contact us .
Ph: +61 2 4977 2116 fax: +61 2 4977 2528 or complete our feedback form Contact us .
Company info View our Privacy Policy. [Go Home] [Bot Archive ]