Storm buffets Waitemata

Press, 11 October 1982, Page 6

Storm buffets Waitemata

PA Auckland Savage squalls turned the Waitemata Harbour into a theatre of drama yesterday as craft ranging from a container ship to windsurfers were rescued.

Yachts and pleasure craft sought the shelter of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf as 45-knot winds, driving rain, and choppy seas created havoc. Two dramatic rescues highlighted a torrid day on the harbour.

The first was the rescue of the 52,000-ton container ship Nedlloyd Houtman as she drifted out of control towards Cheltenham Beach. The other was the pick-up of 21 windsurfers in a race from Takapuna, sailing round Rangitoto and back to Takapuna. After several hours '.all were accounted for after a big search by the Auckland Volunteer Coast- Guard and the police launch Deodar. The first act of the drama

came at 8.35 a.m. when the Nedlloyd Houtman lost all power and was left almost helpless for seven minutes before being halted about 650 metres from shore. The ship was safely guided to port, but as that crisis was resolved another was developing. Twenty-one windsurfers set out from Takapuna Beach to sail around Rangitoto, contesting the Patto Cup, named after an Auckland windsurfer who was

killed on the Auckland harbour bridge in a motor accident. Most of the competitors were at the back of Rangitoto when the squall struck soon after 11 a.m. They battled the wind, ‘driving rain, and rough seas before opting for the safety of the shores of Rangitoto or Browns Island. Most of the windsurfers, all experienced and well equipped, were picked up from land.