From the McMurdo Sound Region comes very disturbing and sad news with regard to the SY Berserk. The lone helicopter available for aerial search the Nancy Burnet of the SSCS MS Steve Irwin has found a raft which is most likely from the missing yacht. A report from Paul Watson states, and NAUTICAL LOG quotes in part:
"At 0957 NZT helicopter pilot Chris Aultman spotted an Avon 8-person liferaft in the sea at 76 degrees 40 minutes 43.2 seconds South latitude, 166 degrees 01 minute and 50.7 seconds East longitude".
This position is 45 nautical miles North of the EPIRB distress position and appears consistent with the wind drift and current set. They go on to say that the raft was unoccupied, shore line and sea search turned up nothing further. A grid search has been conducted over the last 24 hours and it would seem the SY Berserk has been lost together with her crew. A full report with conclusions has been sent to RCCNZ as the raft found matches the description of the one reported to be on board the SY Berserk. There are two further reports in 'Maritime New Zealand' to which there is a link in our 'Link List'.
NAUTICAL LOG would like to congratulate the crew of the MS Steve Irwin and the flying skills of Pilot Chris Aultman. Frankly it is a relief and very good to know that when an occasion like this arises the SSCS does respond in the finest tradition of the sea - Bravo Zulu.
Good Watch.
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