Elderly sailors speak of rescue relief

An elderly couple who had to abandon their sinking yacht and huddle in a small dinghy in stormy seas off Plimmerton say it was a "huge relief" when they saw a rescue boat ploughing towards them.

Police, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Mana Coastguard and Wellington Free Ambulance were involved in a rescuing Graeme and Juliette Foster, both in their 70s, from Papakowhai, after their yacht hit rocks and sank between Mana Island and Plimmerton on Thursday night.

They rang emergency services about 9.45pm as they tried to bail out water before being forced to climb into the dinghy. Wet and cold, they huddled together as they watched their prized 7.6-metre yacht go down in 22m of water.

Mana Coastguard president Trevor Farmer said conditions were difficult.

"Our 5.8m rescue boat took quite a few waves over the bow. When we got there only half the stern of the yacht was showing out of the water – basically it had gone.

"They were sitting in the dinghy waiting for assistance. They were very lucky."

The couple also let off a flare, which was reported to emergency services by people who saw it from shore.

"If it had not been for the flare we would have taken longer to find them," Mr Farmer said.

Life Flight Trust rescue helicopter crewman Dave Greenberg said the rough seas and darkness meant the chopper could not winch the couple off their boat. It hovered above, marking the spot while the Coastguard rescued the pair.

"It was a bit dramatic – we watched everything but the last little corner of the yacht go down."

Mrs Foster said it was as a "real relief" when they saw the rescue boat coming towards them.

Mr Farmer praised their emergency response actions.

"It was a big day for a couple in their 70s. They did all the right things – had communication, let off flares, were wearing appropriate clothing and had a grab bag with all their essential items – except their house keys, which they left behind."

- © Fairfax NZ News