NAVY'S LAST STEAM DRIVEN FRIGATE HELPS VESSEL IN DISTRESS
Thursday 3 March, 2005
HMNZS CANTERBURY, who begins her Farewell Tour to her home port areas next week before her formal decommissioning on March 31, demonstrated she is still an operational part of the Naval Combat Force when she went to the rescue of a stricken vessel in the Port Jackson areas late last night. At approx 2130 last night as HMNZS CANTERBURY was taking part in night manoeuvres as part of Exercise TASMANEX, she responded to a call for assistance from a stricken vessel.
Initial concerns were that the 32 foot MV SCENARIO was sinking fast and HMNZS CANTERBURY immediately despatched her Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) to assist the skipper and 3 crew onboard. On arrival, the vessel was found to have a gash on the side and taking on water fast with the level continuing to rise at an alarming rate. A crew member from HMNZS CANTERBURY with specialised carpentry skills was despatched to make emergency repairs to keep the vessel afloat. Water was pumped from the MV SCENARIO and once the water level was lowered, HMNZS CANTERBURY’s RHIB and the vessel ‘SUNFLOWER’, who had arrived to offer assistance, towed the stricken vessel into Port Jackson at approx 0100 this morning. Local farmers arrived at the beach to offer further assistance. The skipper and crew of MV SCENARIO remained overnight in Port Jackson and expected to make repairs to the vessel this morning.
The rescue at sea was a very good example of a multi-agency operation with HMNZS CANTERBURY, Westpac Helicopter, Maritime Radio, Police Launch Headquarters and the vessel ‘SUNFLOWER’ all working alongside each other to offer assistance to a mariner in need.
After ensuring the skipper and crew were safe and the vessel MV SCENARIO was secured, HMNZS CANTERBURY returned to the exercise area and along with the other ships involved in Exercise TASMANEX, made a Fleet Entry into the Auckland Harbour and is now berthed alongside at the Devonport Naval Base.
ENDS
For further information and requests for interviews, please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Officer, Ph: (09) 4455002 or Mob: 021-2440638
<< Return to the Media Release Summary