Platino recovery - Tug has yacht under tow and is heading home

by Sail-World.com NZL on 17 Jun 2016 The New Zealand Police have confirmed that the tug Sea Pelican has reached the abandoned yacht SV Platino and has her under tow and is returning to New Zealand.

The tug reached the stricken yacht around 0835hrs NZT, a day earlier than expected by NZ Police.

Auckland City District Police Operations Manager Inspector Vaughn Graham says that around 1pm the Sea Pelican began towing the yacht back to Auckland.

“The yacht appears to be in a reasonable condition. At this stage we can’t say what the expected arrival time back to New Zealand will be as it’s all weather dependent,” says Inspector Graham.

“Formal identification is yet to take place however Police believe the body of the man recovered and on board Platino is that of Nick Saull.'

The Police have confirmed social media reports that the man missing overboard is that of Steven (Steve) Forno, 53-years-old from Bayswater near Devonport. He is listed as being the owner of the Stewart 34 Progress.

Mr Graham says Police are now investigating the circumstances of Mr Saull’s death on behalf of the Coroner.

The 66ft Ron Holland designed Platino was involved in an incident on Monday at 1100hrs, when Nick Saull was struck by the boom or falling rig and died on board the yacht. Steve Forno was swept overboard in the same incident, but was not wearing a lifejacket and harness. However rescue authorities calculated his possible survival time at 45 hours, and suspended the search after 48 hours without locating him.

The three remaining crew Tory and Harry McKeogh, also of Bayswater and Ross McKee of Auckland.