Search Called Off For Keys Family Missing Of New Zealand Coast
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CBS4/AP) - Rescue teams have abandoned a search for a U.S. schooner carrying seven people that disappeared in the South Pacific.
New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre said Friday it had carried out extensive aerial searches over the past 11 days but had found no sign of the vessel, the life raft or the crew.
The six Americans aboard included skipper David Dyche, 58, his wife Rosemary, 60, their son David, 17, and their friend Evi Nemeth, 73. Also aboard was a 35-year-old British man.
The 70 foot sailboat, the Nina, left New Zealand on May 29th bound for Australia. The last communication with the boat was on June 4th when the crew called a meteorologist for navigation advice. They were caught in 60 mile per hour winds and 18 foot seas. The meteorologist told them to head south. A day later, a text came from Nina for an update. Everyone assumed they had pulled through, but no further contact was made.
Authorities believe the 85-year-old classic wooden boat likely sank that day in a powerful storm.
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