Survivors thank rescuers

Press, 8 June 1985, Page 21

Survivors thank rescuers

PA Auckland Six survivors of the catamaran Double Arrow met on Wednesday and thanked members of the R.N.Z.A.F. N 0.5 Squadron which coordinated their rescue off North Cape about two weeks ago.

Both during and after the rescue, members of the catamaran’s crew were fed and clothed.

Ms Ann Hernon, of Boston, said that she and her shipmates from Canada and the United States would have been helpless without the charity of friends, the Air Force, and the Mission to Seamen.

“People I barely know have phoned to see if I am all right, and offered me money. It is nice to know there are still helpful people in the world,” she said.

Mr Brian Holloway, of Auckland said the Air Force was “fantastic.”

“It was a very frightening and exciting experience. I think about it a lot, and I am thankful to have been through it and survived it,”he said.

Mr Holloway has gone back to work as a hot tub maker, while the skipper, Mr Ivan Cranch, has also found a job. All crew members say they are now more aware of safety.

An electronic bleeper was their salvation, said Mr Holloway. “The Air Force told us that the Orions can contact anyone within the Tasman or Pacific within 12 hours if they have a bleeper systejn working. I am convinced everyone should carry one,” he said.