Wellington Maritime Police and a lone yachtsman are thankful for the actions of a York Bay resident when he called Police for help after noticing the sailor in trouble near Matiu/Somes Island at around 5.00pm this evening
He was intending to sail from Lowry Bay to Matiu/Somes Island and home again when his mast snapped nearly 2 nautical miles from shore.
The resident watched the vessel for about 10 minutes before realising that there was a problem.
Senior Launch master, Constable Paul Curd, said that the early call prevented a serious incident occurring as the sailor was already showing signs of hypothermia when maritime Police arrived.
With the summer water sports season and water safety week approaching it is very reassuring to know that members of the public are helping to keep local boaties safe. We are very grateful for his call.
The cold and wet sailor was delivered safely to shore with his damaged vessel by the Police launch Lady Elizabeth IV.