Rescue in the Pacific: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in a Force 12 Storm

by Tony Farrington

In June of 1994 a dangerous "bomb" storm caught dozens of cruising sailors by surprise as they voyaged north from New Zealand. This is the true story of how nine yachts struggled to survive the hurricane-like conditions. Boats were battered by fierce winds and capsized by seas towering well over 50 feet high. Equipment was ripped loose, and water penetrated every weak point. Masts collapsed, rudders broke, and sailors lost steering control when they needed it most. The crews coped as best they could with injury, fear, exhaustion, and illness. Their electronic calls for help were picked up by satellites and radio operators, who initiated a massive air and sea search. This is the story of heroic rescues, human endurance, and tragic loss.

Genres: Nautical, Survival, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 1995

About the author

Tony Farrington (Kerikeri, New Zealand) has been around the sea and boats most of his life. He is a former journalist and broadcaster who founded the public relations firm Consultus in 1980 which has worked with two of his country's America's Cup challenges.

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the rescue during the 1994 storm that caught sailors in the seas off of New Zealand unawares. 21 people from 7 yachts were rescued. This book is the story of the rescue. I continue to be fascinated by sailing stories and the people who sail boats to far away places and live with nature on a constant basis. How anyone survives sailing in 50 foot seas is beyond me.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable stories of unbelievable high seas and terrible conditions during a 1994 storm in the South Pacific and the trials an tribulations of the many sailboats who were caught up in it. A testament to the EPIRB and a warning to everyone who goes to sea in a boat with a white hull and deck. Maybe its time to think orange!

[Melody Eads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not knowing the nautical terms still doesn't lessen this good read!

[Linden Beekeeping · Rating 5 out of 5]

very gripping

[Linda Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a totally absorbing real life sailing adventure that reveals what happens when people underestimate the Pacific and the inherent dangers of blue water sailing.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

In May 1994, around thirty yachts set sail from New Zealand en route to Tonga. At the beginning of the cruise, the weather was fair, and reports coming in were that fair weather would be had for the next several days. Unfortunately, in early June, bad weather reports began coming in. Nothing could be done to avoid the approaching storm, which was fast and rapidly expanding. The storm ultimately kicked up to be a Force 12 storm, which is defined as Hurricane Force conditions with a speed ranging from 72 to 83 miles per hour. These conditions cause what is akin to white out conditions, as the sea becomes white from churning, and the air is filled with foam and spray. These types of conditions can cause massive damage to seacraft, including capsizing or outright sinking. This book relates the experiences of those who were stuck in the storm, including what happened to their yachts and their friends.

I have been trying to get all of my unread things read this year, and I apparently went on a ship-related book buying spree. I picked this up a while back, and have just finally got around to reading it. I love the ocean, and my family is planning to take a family cruise next year... and reading books like this have firmly reinforced my desire to remain on land. Despite the absolute panic I would be in, imagine the seasickness one must get when being pitched around like this in the water. No, thank you. I will enjoy the ocean from the shore. The author of this book narrowly missed being out at sea during this exact storm event, which is both alarming and fortunate. The author is an avid yachtsman and has been in and around the ocean all of his life, so his knowledge of boats and sea issues is obvious. I enjoyed the way that the author was able to tell this story in a way that made you feel like you knew the people in the book. It was a really decent read, despite the harrowing tale. Also, if you are interested in weather, this particular storm is often referenced as The Queen's Birthday storm, as part of the 1994-1995 Pacific Cyclone Season.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting to a degree and yet there are a scattering of unnecessary details, or I should say, details that would be interesting basically to those who are involved in sailing or rescue attempts. The tragedy could have been worse but was bad enough.

[Andrew Tunstall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, outside of ocean racing (where things are understandably being pushed to the limit) it seems that in most cases, disaster is the result of a combination of bad weather, bad luck, and stupidity.

[Gig Wailgum · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read of an amazing storm and rescues.

[Isabel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful, read for school project. Ship names got mixed up along with character's names. Very dry writing do not recommend.

[Hoku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative read and a great retelling of an epic search and rescue mission!