Gisborne - Coastguard Gisborne volunteers brought a solo sailor safely back to shore last night.
The man had sailed his 42-foot yacht from Napier on Sunday, bound for Gisborne, and anchored overnight off the peninsula. At around 10am on Tuesday he called Coastguard National Operations Centre for help. His anchor was stuck; he was dehydrated after hours of trying to free it and had injured his ribs.
A crew of four set out on the rescue vessel Gisborne Lion Foundation Rescue at 10.34am. Wind was blowing around 20 knots and the sea was choppy.
Police took charge of the operation and coordinated the response with Coastguard Gisborne, Hato Hone St John, the Hawke's Bay rescue helicopter and Coastguard Hawke's Bay. While the Coastguard Gisborne crew were on their way, Police arranged for a local boatie and two crayfishing boats to stay with the yacht.
When the crew got there just before midday, the yacht's foresail had come loose and was badly tangled and torn. Two volunteers went aboard to assess the skipper’s welfare and get the sail under control. They then got the yacht’s engine running. The skipper said he wanted to stay with his boat, so the helicopter was stood down. Two volunteers stayed on board for the trip back to Gisborne.
Progress was slow in the rough conditions. The yacht made way under its own power and then was eventually towed from Young Nicks Head for the rest of the way. It reached the Eastland Port inner harbour basin shortly after 9pm, where paramedics were waiting.
Coastguard Gisborne Master and President Aaron Boyle said it was a long day for the crew.
"It was a long haul for our volunteers, but it ended the way we want every job to end, with everyone home safe. He was able to call for help, and that made all the difference."
Coastguard reminds boaties, especially those sailing alone, to carry two separate waterproof ways to call for help, such as a VHF radio and a cell phone in a waterproof bag; log a trip report with Coastguard before heading out through the App or VHF; check the marine forecast and always wear a lifejacket.
