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Log carrier assisted in rescue of distresses yacht crew

Three people were plucked from their yacht "Django Racer" to safety in a dramatic rescue coordinated by the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) on July 8, 2014. The 11 metre yacht was on a return trip from Fiji and 170 nautical miles north of North Cape when the RCCNZ was alerted in the morning that it had issued a mayday call, picked up by Maritime Radio. The yacht’s rudder was becoming detached, putting the vessel in danger of sinking. The crew of two men and one woman were ready to abandon ship. The RCCNZ tasked the "Laura Bulker", which was en route from Tauranga to China and 60 milesfrom the stricken yacht, and the Royal New Zealand Navy patrol vessel HMNZS "Otago", which was 90 miles away. The "Otago" arrived alongside Django at about 5.30 p.m., with the "Laura Bulker" on scene shortly after and standing by while the naval vessel effected the rescue. The "Django"’s crew abandoned ship into a liferaft, but as it was being hauled across to the "Otago" they feared the larger vessel was about to roll over and crush them in the heavy seas, and they cut the rope. The "Otago" then sent a swimmer into the water with another rope, to tie the liferaft on again and bring it alongside. The crew was safely talen on board the "Otago", which was en route to Devonport and expected to arrive around 9 a.m. on July 9. The RCCNZ Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Neville Blakemore praised the "Otago" and "Laura Bulker" for their prompt response to the request for help, and the skilful rescue in difficult conditions. The yacht and liferaft were still afloat when the vessels departed the area, and a navigation warning has been issued to advise mariners of its position. Reports with photos and video: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/10248251/Yachties-rescued-in-wild-seas-off-NZ http://www.sail-world.com/cruisingaus/index.cfm?nid=124248&rid=12