One person dead, two rescued after yacht’s mayday call

Photo: Supplied

One person has died as a result of an incident involving a yacht off Fiji.

There were three people on-board when the vessel encountered difficulty last night.

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A Maritime New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre spokesman said one survivor was picked up by a Fijian Navy vessel this afternoon, while the other was earlier transferred to the cruise ship, Pacific Explorer where they received medical treatment.  

Both the survivors are being taken to Fiji, along with the body of the deceased.

Consular services have been notified.

“Maritime NZ wishes to extend its sympathies to those involved in the incident, as well as their families and friends. 

“This was a challenging search and rescue operation in tough conditions. 

“Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre wants to acknowledge the work of the Rescue Coordination Centre, Fiji in leading coordination of the rescue efforts.

“RCCNZ wants to thank the three vessels that responded, Pacific Explorer, The Beast and the Savenaca; a Fijian naval vessel.

“In particular, the Pacific Explorer and The Beast which both had to deviate from their planned courses to assist.

The New Zealand police has been notified of the fatality.