Missing Schooner ALVEI found

Created by doina. Last modified on 2007-12-06 12:54:20
Contributors:
Topic: YACHT SEARCH
Countries: New Zealand, Vanuatu

The 92ft steel schooner Alvei which was reported yesterday on Noonsite as missing on passage between Vanuatu and New Zealand has been found and all aboard are safe and well.

The ship was located at 11.45am today, December 6, about 760km (410nm) north of New Zealand's North Cape. The nine people, including one New Zealander, onboard are safe and the ship is expected to arrive in Opua, Northland, in 8 - 10 days.

Aircraft have been searching for the overdue ship since yesterday, after a concerned relative of one of the ship's crew contacted the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ). RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator Mike Roberts said a Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion had found the Alvei while searching an area along its intended track to New Zealand. The Orion's crew had made radio contact with her and all onboard were safe, he said. The skipper reported that her delayed progress was because of unfavourable winds.

"RCCNZ thanks everyone who has been involved in the search, which included agencies from New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia. This is an excellent result and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all involved," Mr Roberts said.