Hunt on for lost launch

By STAFF REPORTERS AND NZPA

A trawler was yesterday hoping to recover the historic launch Ruamano after its upturned hull was spotted by a passing ship 150 miles off the Northland coast.

The 75-year-old Ruamano, abandoned on New Year's Day while on a round trip of New Zealand to promote the Heart Foundation, was found half-submerged and surrounded by debris in heavy seas west of Dargaville on Friday afternoon by cargo ship Ramon Aboitiz.

The trawler Physalie, which had been fishing for tuna in the area, spent several hours yesterday grid searching for the launch.

It was hoped that, if found, the Ruamano could be pumped out and towed back to port.

The 13m kauri launch, worth about $150,000, was left with its engine in gear and chugging west after being abandoned by its five crew in heavy seas.

An air search reaching out to 150 miles, mounted by the family of its owner, Sefton Powrie, drew a blank.

The Ramon Aboitiz stumbled across the wreck en route to Lyttleton and Chief Officer Danny Delano said from what he could see the launch looked in reasonable condition and could stay afloat for some time in its upturned state.

"It depends on the weather but it could still be intact."

Attached to the hull was an inflatable liferaft and other debris. "We saw emergency suits floating in the water, oil cans and pillows."

The Ramon Aboitiz circled the hull to check for survivors and radioed its position to the Maritime Safety Authority. "We stayed there for more than an hour going around the boat and sounding a whistle."

The chief oficer said it was not possible for his ship to try and salvage the Ruamano because of 4m swells and 20 knot winds.

Marine surveyor Mike Austin, who is working for the vessel's insurers, said a fishing boat had gone out yesterday to search for the Ruamano. "They were going to see whether they could pump her out and tow her in, but they haven't found her."