A Maritime New Zealand investigation into the sinking of a yacht off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island in October 2019 has found that if storm covers had been fitted to cabin windows, they could have prevented the loss of the vessel and the skipper’s life.

Published 3 years ago

Safety regulations have now been updated to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, Maritime NZ said in its report into the sinking.

The 47-foot Ocean series Bavaria centre cockpit vessel “Essence” was returning home to New Zealand from Fiji when it encountered wild seas 37kms off Northland’s Cape Brett on October 14, 2019.

On board were Mt Maunganui couple Pamela and Stuart Pedersen, Pamela’s brother-in-law Steve Newman and Bruce Goodwin, a member of the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club. 

All four were plucked from the water in a heroic air rescue by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, supported by an RNZAF Orion aircraft, but tragically the skipper Stuart Pedersen died just before reaching safety.

Crew were Experienced and Prepared

The four crew were all experienced and had prepared for the forecasted heavy weather, Maritime NZ’s northern compliance manager Neil Rowarth said.

“The yacht, which was maintained to a high standard, had all hatches checked and loose gear secured.

“Storm sails were prepared and a storm drogue had been deployed to help make the vessel easier to control in heavy weather.   However, storm covers weren’t fitted to cabin windows. “

Mr Rowarth said that following the recommendations of the report, Maritime NZ has worked in collaboration with Yachting NZ to amend the safety regulations to require storm covers to be positioned on windows over a certain size on sailing vessels, “ he said.

A Warning for Others

“The tragic story of the Essence should prompt others venturing offshore to take notice, read the report and make changes to their vessels and procedures.”

The Maritime NZ report also acknowledged that the skipper, Stuart Pedersen was a highly experienced blue water yachtsman who, in the face of testing conditions, adopted a commonly-used strategy of running before heavy seas. The report stated it was clear from the evidence of the survivors that he (Stuart Pedersen) was instrumental in contributing to the survival of his crew throughout the ordeal.

The new Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) Safety Regulations of Sailing 2021–2024, available on the YNZ website state:

• 13.11 (K) Change from: Storm coverings are required for all windows more than 1852 cm2 (2sqft) in area
• Change to: Storm coverings shall be fitted for all windows more than 1858 cm2 in area

Note: This means that storm coverings must now be fitted as opposed to just being on board.

New Zealand Search and Rescue also undertook an independent report on the incident which recommended several areas for further discussion including how SAR co-ordinating authorities handle media awareness as well as next-of-kin notification.

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Related Links:

Maritime NZ:  Report into the Loss of the Sailing Vessel Essence

Yachting NZ Safety Regulations

NZSAR: Essence SAR Operation Review

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Related News:

Essence Yacht Sinking:  Storm Covers Could Have Prevented Loss of Life (NZ Herald)

Yacht Sinking Leads to Rule Change (Radio New Zealand)

Yacht Lost in Storm off New Zealand (Sail-World.com)

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.

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