A tugboat has reached a Singapore cargo vessel which sent out a mayday call as it floundered adrift in "rolling seas" north-west of South Island's Farewell Spit today.
Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre is coordinating a rescue effort for the vessel, named Shiling, with 24 crew on board.
"At 11am, the vessel put out a mayday call, due to heavy seas, stating the crew were preparing to abandon the vessel. It initially put a request through for assistance at 8.27am," Maritime NZ said in a statement.
"The vessel is situated 22 nautical miles North North-West of Farewell Spit.
"Since the mayday call, conditions on scene have improved and the vessel master has stated he is currently comfortable staying on the vessel."
Ocean going tugboat, the Skandi Emerald, reached the ship around 5pm this evening.
"Due to where the vessel is, there is no risk of it running aground prior to the arrival of the ocean going tug," Maritime NZ said earlier today.
Rescue helicopters, and several rescue vessels are stationed nearby should they be required.
"We also have a NZDF’s P-8A Poseidon in the air above the ship to coordinate assistance, and other response assets are available should they be required.
"This still has the potential to become a rescue situation, so we remain poised to respond," RCCNZ’s Operations Manager Mike Clulow said.
The Shiling broke down in Wellington’s main shipping channel in April and had been in port for repairs before today's latest incident.
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