Texas EquuSearch Warns of Poor Techniques of Maritime Search and Rescue

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Jul 21, 2014, 07:45 ET

HOUSTON, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The search for the missing schooner Nina by the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) fell short and was poorly managed according to the Families of the seven (7) missing crew, including six (6) Americans and one Brit. The Families do not agree with and have responded in writing to the so-called 'independent' review of the efforts by the RCCNZ to search for the 70 foot historic schooner Nina. The text of the Families' summary letter delivered to Mr. Keith Manch, the Director of Maritime New Zealand follows. 

Dear Mr. Manch, "We have received the Independent Report of the search and rescue (SAR) for The Nina and her crew. We respectfully send our sincere thanks to the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) for all their efforts in this lengthy and complex effort.

"Our wish is that if the crewmembers have indeed died, their deaths and all the extraordinary effort that went into finding them will not have been in vain. We hope to save others the same anguish.

"In this spirit, we offer the opinion that several aspects of the report are not adequately addressed and warrant further inquiry. We remain particularly concerned about the delay in launching the search and the initial selection of search coordinates. Questions about what was known from the Iridium satellite phone data, how the information was used in the first crucial days, and whether that data should have been used at all are raised by the report itself: "analysis raises deep suspicion on the reliability of the Iridium positions". (page 36)

"Also questionable is changing the ETA in Australia. Scheduled arrival was June 10; extending that to June 25^th may have been harmful. Regarding use of radar data, some research shows that small wooden vessels cannot be detected over 20 miles. Additional serious, documented concerns remain; we would be pleased to work directly with you if you are inclined to address them.

"A constant concern throughout this episode has been that there was an underlying, counterproductive undercurrent of contention between us – that is, between RCCNZ and Texas EquuSearch (TES) working with associated volunteers on our behalf. Author David Baird notes: "The relationship between TES and RCCNZ did not start well; they did not appear to share the same objective". (page 56)

"The report goes on to state various criticisms of TES actions, ignoring in spirit the tireless effort of people bound together by faith, determination, and courage. This is unfair, contrary to an overall attitude of fortitude and common purpose, and this attitude dominates the report.

"We cannot, however, overlook the admirable traditions of professionalism and dedication that continue to distinguish the RCCNZ. We can grow closer in our mutual goals. For example, perhaps we can exchange thoughts on expanding partnerships with private companies, as suggested by Diane Hockenberry of Iridium Communications Inc, McClean, Virginia, and DigitalGlobe, Inc., Longmont, Colorado which re-tasked satellites to assist us."