A New Zealand yacht, the Caro Vita, stuck on a reef along the Nuku'alofa coast was rescued on Saturday October 6 after sending out a mayday call.

The 53 ft cruising yacht was aground on the Hakau Mama'o Reef when the Nautilus Minerals team on board the research vessel Nor Sky, picked up the mayday call from about eight nautical miles away.

A New Zealand navy vessel was on the way to assist but the Nor Sky arrived first. The Nautilus team passed ropes to a fast rescue craft from the navy ship the Resolution to take to the stricken yacht and then Nor Sky was able to pull the troubled Caro Vita clear from the rocks.

The yacht was able to sail the rest of the way to safe anchorage at Nuku'alofa harbour. The Caro Vita is believed to be owned by Sail Marlborough Ltd. with skipper-owner Jo Ivory, and it is not known how many people were on board when the yacht went up on the reef. There were strong winds at the time.

Captain Roman Tarnowski of Nor Sky received a plaque and photo from the Resolution for his team's brave and prompt effort in the rescue.

Paul Taumoepeau of Nautilus Minerals Tonga said that the Nor Sky had been exploring about 200 nautical miles from Tongatapu and was underway to the Nuku'alofa harbour on October 6 to change personnel, "a happy coincidence for the Caro Vita and her crew," he said.