Yachties await rescue

One of two people aboard the yacht Janette Gay is thought to have a back injury. Picture / RNZAF

A cargo ship was standing by a crippled yacht northeast of New Zealand last night waiting for daylight to try to rescue the crew.

The 5000-tonne refrigerated freighter Maunakea was in radio contact with an injured man and a woman aboard the New Zealand registered yacht Janette Gay.

The crew of an RNZAF Orion found the yacht wallowing in heavy seas and strong winds after it sent a mayday call. The air force crew circled the area, keeping an eye on the yacht until after the Maunakea arrived. The aircraft then headed for Auckland about 10pm.

New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre spokesman Lindsay Sturt said late last night the freighter's skipper reported the ship did not have search floodlights, and conditions made it too risky and difficult to attempt a rescue bid in darkness.

"But they are in radio contact and we understand the injured man is in a reasonable condition," Mr Sturt said. "We believe he has a back injury. The woman is unhurt and is okay."

The yacht was 780km northeast of the Chatham Islands, about halfway between New Zealand and the Cooks, the yacht's destination.

Mr Sturt said this morning the Orion had returned to land overnight, where it had refuelled and changed crew before returning to the scene to continue providing a communications platform.

"So the three of them are out there at the moment and an attempt will be made this morning -- I'm not quite sure when, it's up to the skipper of the vessel -- to try to get these two off the yacht and on board."

Weather conditions remained difficult with southwest winds of about 40 knots, a 3m to 4m westerly swell, showers and poor visibility.

The yacht is believed to have left Lyttelton about two weeks ago.

- NZPA