Air search for crewman ends

Press, 4 April 1987, Page 1

Air search for crewman ends

NZPA staff correspondent Sydney Aerial searches for the New Zealand yachtsman, Colin Akhurst, about 600 nautical miles off the north i Queensland coast were called off when darkness fell last evening. A lifebuoy noticed missing by aircraft flying over the stricken 16m sloop Castaway Fiji on Thursday had given searchers hope that he could be using it to stay afloat Aerial searches yesterday by two Australian National Safety Council aircraft a French Guardian jet from Noumea and an RrA.A.F. Orion made no sightings of Akhurst, aged 35. A spokesman for the Australian Sea Safety and

Surveillance Centre in Canberra said the Orion had been searching moderate seas from soon after midday.-,. “The planes will not be going out in the morning unless there is some further information,” he said. ' W’". At least three yachts which had been competing also in the Melbourne to Osaka two-handed race, and the Indonesian freighter Bungakesidang were last evening staying in the area where the Castaway Fiji overturned in heavy seas early on Thursday. Other yachts in the race had indicated also that they would sail through the search area. Castaway Fiji’s skipper, Digby Taylor, of Auck-

land, who was plucked to safety on Thursday evening from a liferaft dropped by ; a French Navy jet, told rescuers that the keel snapped off the yacht and both men were washed overboard when she turned over. They stayed together In the water for Some hours, before losing contact * Taylor was In the water for 14 hours until he reached. the liferaft and then another 2J4 hours later was picked up by Sydney yacht Klrribllli. He transferred yesterday to the Bungakesidang which is acting as a communications base. The Orion crew reported that the Castaway Fiji was drifting partly submerged yesterday. Further report, page.B