Yacht sinks on Parengarenga bar

By TONY GEE


An Auckland yacht broke up and sank just inside the treacherous Parengarenga Harbour bar in the Far North late on Saturday.

The two men on board the 16.5m Alma Hera, including its owner, both reached shore safely in the motor sailer's rubber dinghy.

It is understood the ferro-cement vessel had been sailing around the top of the North Island's east coast on a holiday cruise when it tried to cross the exposed Parengarenga bar, just south of North Cape, in a strong easterly.

Far North Coastguard Radio operator Maureen MacMillan said the crew seemed to have thought they were following a channel just inside the bar when the Alma Hera, with a draft of 2.2m, ran aground on an outgoing tide.

Constable Stefan Billings, of Kaitaia, said conditions on the bar were rough, with swells up to 2m and an easterly wind blowing against the tide.

He said the vessel, which was well-equipped, was now stuck fast and lying on its side.

The two crewmen were able to recover a quantity of gear and equipment from the vessel yesterday.

It is understood the Alma Hera was not insured.