Stricken yacht crew helicopter to Whangarei

The three crew of the yacht, Boundless, which was damaged in heavy seas on its journey from Brisbane to Auckland, have been airlifted to Whangarei.

Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand spokesman Ross Henderson told NZPA the trio had reactivated their emergency beacon around 12.30pm today.

"I think there was concern because of their (damaged) sails and they had problems with their communications equipment. They were also worried about fuel and didn't think they were going to make it."

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion, which first made contact with the vessel yesterday, was again sent to communicate with the crew who were about 150 nautical miles (278km) north-east of New Zealand.

With the yacht's long-range HF radio damaged, rescuers needed to circle above to talk via short-range VHF radios.

Mr Henderson said the decision was made to get them off the yacht, and the Northland Emergency Rescue Services Trust Rescue Helicopter picked them up shortly before 5pm.

They were expected to touch down in Whangarei around 7pm where they will be met by customs officials.

The yacht was left behind, a navigational alert was sent to warn other ships of its location, and it would be up to the owners to launch a salvage mission, Mr Henderson said.

- NZPA