KEY POINTS:
The overdue sailing ship Alvei has been found and all aboard are safe and well.
The ship was located at 11.45am today, about 760km north of New Zealand's North Cape.
The nine people, including one New Zealander, on board are safe and the ship is expected to arrive in Opua, Northland, in eight-10 days.
Aircraft have been searching for the overdue ship since yesterday, after a concerned relative of one of the ship's crew contacted the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ).
RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator Mike Roberts said a Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion had found the Alvei while searching an area along its intended track to New Zealand.
The Orion's crew had made radio contact with her and all on board were safe, he said.
The skipper reported that her delayed progress was because of unfavourable winds.
" RCCNZ thanks everyone who has been involved in the search, which included agencies from New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia. This is an excellent result and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all involved," Mr Roberts said.
The 92 foot steel-hulled sailing ship left Port Vila, Vanuatu, on November 13 with nine people on board. The crew and passengers are believed to be aged between 27 and 66 years of age and are made up of three Americans, four Australians, one New Zealander and one Englishman.
The Alvei had been due to reach New Zealand on Saturday, but concerns were raised when it did not arrive as scheduled.
- NZPA
