Storm-Battered Ketch Towed Into Gisborne

A 36ft American ketch, the Hunakai, which had been missing off the East Coast in gale-force winds and stormy seas for two days last month, was towed to safety at Gisborne.

Discovered by a searching R.N.Z.A.F. Dakota about 50 miles from the coast, the ketch was adrift without power or mainsail.

She was towed into Poverty Bay by H.M.N.Z.S. Lachlan, where she was greeted by a flotilla of small craft, and towed the remainder of the distance by the G.Y.C. pick-up launch, Endeavour.

On board the Hunakai, and in good health apart from lack of sleep, were its owner, Mr Chris Christopher, his 14-year-old son, Corey, and Mr Sandy Lowe, of Havelock North. The Christophers had sailed their vessel over 7000 miles since leaving their home at Los Angeles.

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The Hunakai moving past Young Nicks Head immediately after casting off from the Lachlan

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The three weary crew members upon arrival in Gisborne. From left: Mr Lowe, Corey Christopher, Mr Christopher.

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Small craft greet the ketch as Lachlan sails from the bay