Discover the Kota-Ria: Ratings & Maritime News

On November 18, a dramatic maritime rescue unfolded as a 67-year-old Norwegian skipper found himself in distress aboard his yacht, 'Ilanga.' Struggling against fierce 50-knot winds and treacherous seas east of Norfolk Island, the sailor's situation took a turn for the better on November 19, when he was safely retrieved approximately 140 nautical miles northeast of Cape Brett around 5 p.m. The rescue operation was no easy feat, with the rescuers enduring stubborn southerly winds reaching 25 knots and swelling seas up to 3.5 meters. The cargo ship 'Southern Lily' emerged as a beacon of hope, successfully docking at Auckland's Jellicoe Wharf later that afternoon. The incident marked another challenging day at sea, as earlier on November 18, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) was also involved in the rescue of a New Zealand yachtsman who was compelled to abandon his vessel, 'Waimanu.' This rescue occurred roughly 90 nautical miles east of Norfolk Island, where a defense force C-130 Hercules provided aerial support, monitoring the situation as the cargo ship 'Norfolk Guardian' was diverted to assist. The Kiwi yachtsman was ultimately rescued and taken on board the 'Norfolk Guardian,' destined for Norfolk Island. For more details, including photos of the rescue operation, visit [Newshub](http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2017/11/norwegian-solo-yachtsman-rescued.html).

On November 18, 2017, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) received an urgent distress signal from a lone Norwegian yachtsman aboard the compromised vessel "Ilanga." Situated in perilous conditions, the yacht was battling 50-knot winds (approximately 90 km/h) and tumultuous seas. The yacht's operator activated his emergency beacon at 4:14 p.m. as he faced a dire situation, with damaged sails, rigging issues, a shattered window, and taking on water – though thankfully, it was not at immediate risk of sinking. Reports also indicated a fire in the yacht's electrical panel. To ensure the yachtsman received timely assistance, the RCCNZ promptly redirected the container ship "Southern Lily" to his location, with plans for the vessel to rendezvous with the "Ilanga" around midday on November 19. Meanwhile, Mayday calls were continuously transmitted to alert other ships in the vicinity. In a show of support, a New Zealand Defence Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft conducted an overflight of the "Ilanga" later that evening and planned to return to aid the "Southern Lily" in locating the distressed yacht.

On June 16 at 1 a.m., three survivors of the ill-fated yacht "Platino" were safely brought ashore in Auckland after being rescued by the vessel "Southern Lily" during its transit from Nuku'alofa. The survivors were disembarked at Jellicoe Wharf, where they received a warm welcome. Mrs. McKeogh, a spokesperson for the group, expressed deep gratitude to the rescuers and the dedicated crew of the "Southern Lily" for their heroic efforts. Meanwhile, the search for the missing crew member, who vanished overboard while dressed in light attire and without a life jacket, was regrettably suspended on the afternoon of June 15. For further details and visuals, you can visit the following links: [Sail World](http://www.sail-world.com/NZ/Platino-survivors-expected-in-Auckland-on-Thursday/145583), [Stuff](http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/81078423/homecoming-for-three-grief-for-families-of-two-other-yachties), and [Radio New Zealand](http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/306496/platino-survivors-arrive-back-in-auckland).