Crew Who Abandoned Ship Northeast of New Zealand Climb Aboard Oil Tanker in ‘High-Stakes’ Night Rescue

In a dramatic and harrowing operation, three crew members who had abandoned a launch vessel near the Kermadec Islands were successfully rescued in the early hours of Thursday, July 18, after a six-hour effort by New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and a merchant oil tanker. The rescue took place in remote waters approximately 350 nautical miles northeast of New Zealand, where the stranded crew had been left with no choice but to take to a life raft following a mechanical failure.

The incident began on Wednesday, July 17, around 2:30 p.m., when the crew of a vessel traveling from New Zealand to Tonga encountered mechanical failure south of the Kermadec Islands. With no option to return to the launch, the crew made the difficult decision to abandon ship, grabbing life jackets, survival supplies, and a grab bag — a critical step that significantly increased their chances of survival, according to officials.

The stranded crew activated their emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), which sent out a distress signal to the Maritime New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ). In response, RCCNZ launched an urgent search and rescue operation, broadcasting a mayday call to all vessels within a 200 nautical mile radius. Only one vessel — a merchant oil tanker — was in range and able to respond.

The NZDF also deployed a P-8 aircraft to the scene, which played a crucial role in the rescue. Operating under challenging night-time conditions, the aircraft reached the life raft and assisted the master of the merchant vessel in coordinating the rescue. The tanker, which had to change course immediately, used multiple ladders and carefully maneuvered to safely bring the stranded crew aboard.

At around 11 p.m., RCCNZ confirmed that the rescue had been completed, and the three crew members were safely aboard the merchant vessel. RCCNZ General Manager Justin Allan praised the operation as a 'textbook result' from a complex and remote rescue, highlighting the professionalism of the search and rescue officers, the NZDF P-8 crew, and the merchant tanker’s team.

The incident underscores the importance of preparedness and the effectiveness of international maritime rescue protocols. It also highlights the challenges faced by crews in remote waters, where swift action and coordination can mean the difference between life and death.

This rescue not only highlights the capabilities of New Zealand’s emergency response teams but also serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those who work at sea. The successful outcome is a testament to the coordination, training, and readiness of all parties involved in the operation.