An attempt to salvage a damaged yacht off the Taranaki coast has failed and its owners have re-boarded the stricken vessel, despite coast guard warnings that it may be perilous to stay aboard.
On Monday, a New Caledonian father and daughter had been forced to abandon the Xiphos to salvagers. But with conditions treacherous, the line between the salvage boat and the yacht broke twice, frustrating attempts to tow the damaged yacht back to New Plymouth.
Coastguard Taranaki were forced to abort the salvage attempt and return to shore.
Sailors Daniel Le Meur, 54, and Morgane Le Meur, 19, had earlier been rescued by the TET rescue helicopter after scrambling from the yacht about 90km offshore on Monday.
When the salvage option became fruitless this morning, Le Meur insisted on returning to his vessel, rather than abandoning it to the high seas.
The $300,000 yacht was reportedly insured.
- NEWSTALK ZB
Pair return to stricken yacht as salvage fails
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