Solo sailor recovers after dramatic rescue

A French solo sailor was today recovering after being rescued from high seas off Cape Reinga overnight.

His crippled sloop Teno Zaranza was towed into the safety of Spirits Bay in the Far North late this morning by the container ship Pacific Explorer which responded to a mayday call.

Police said today that the skipper's name was Daniel but no other details were known about him at this stage.

The sloop's mast was broken during the rescue delaying plans to have the vessel towed to Auckland.

The rescue operation was launched following a mayday call from the skipper about 10pm yesterday.

The sloop was located by the Northland Emergency Services Trust helicopter about 11.48pm and the container ship Pacific Explorer diverted to its aid.

A Pacific Explorer crew member was then put aboard the yacht and helped to secure a tow rope between the two vessels which then headed for Spirits Bay.

Police said it was not known what, if any, injuries the sailor received but it appeared he was suffering from severe exhaustion.

- NZPA