Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Distress Signal activated 1000kms off land

Tasman Trespasser Distress Signal Issued
Tasman Trespasser
Earlier this evening (Tue 23 Feb 2010), Shaun Quincey issued a distress signal through the TracPlus satellite tracking system on board his rowing boat. TracPlus and the New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) contacted Shaun’s support crew to notify them of the distress call. The support crew got in touch with Shaun around 10pm NZ time. In rough terms it appears that Tasman Trespasser 2 was flipped over at least twice, knocking Shaun around quite severely. At this time the distress signal was activated. Whilst this remains a very serious situation, Shaun is now in his cabin and appears physically and mentally ok. Shaun is tethered (attached) at all times to the boat via a harness system. The harness may have on this occasion prevented Shaun from being separated from the Boat at night almost 1000km from land. Shaun has since been in contact with the New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre to discuss the situation and possible options as the boat’s water ballast, oars and other equipment may have been lost. A short time ago Shaun notified his support crew that he would sit tight in the cabin until the morning when he can survey the boats condition and the state of his equipment and supplies. Only then will a decision be made on the state of the expedition. No further information is available at this stage and further updates will be posted on the website. No further information is expected until Wednesday morning.

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