October 15, 2019
Rescue Operation in New Zealand
Tragic events took place last Monday, 20 miles from the northeast coast of New Zealand, relatively close to Auckland.
A 47-foot New Zealand yacht (its name is not mentioned in local media publications) returned home after a three-year trip around the world. On board were four.
So, shortly before the finish of their odyssey, they fell into a severe storm. Gusts of wind – up to 60 knots. Waves – up to 9 meters. The yacht could not stand it and sank, while one of the crew members – the famous New Zealand yachtsman who spoke on the Tornado, Stuart Pedersen, died.
The rest moved to a life raft, which brutally shook in the waves, and began to wait for help. Fortunately, the helicopter arrived fast enough. And he began to lift the victims aboard.
It is even surprising that in such extreme conditions they managed to raise everyone in 22 minutes. Fortunately, nothing threatens the health of two of the saved. But the state of Pedersen’s wife – Pamela – turned out to be difficult, now they are fighting for her life in the hospital.
A sad story, of course. At the same time, talking about these events, the New Zealand press highly appreciates the actions of the crew of the rescue helicopter. The fact that in the conditions of a severe storm we managed to bring everyone aboard is really worth a lot!
892 October 15, 2019 # 9571
Chief Editor
