In overnight news, a 12.5-metre yacht carrying 1000 litres of diesel sank at its moorings in Cass Bay, Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour), after wild weather swept through Canterbury. While the vessel was lost to the stormy seas, its been reported that emergency responders successfully rescued the boat’s dog named ‘Buddy’, returning him safely to his relieved owner.
Overnight chaos in Cass Bay
Late Tuesday night, as Canterbury residents hunkered down, severe weather brought torrential rain and fierce winds gusting up to 110 kilometres per hour. Cass Bay, a popular sheltered anchorage, was not spared from nature’s fury. Amidst heavy downpours—which deposited nearly 100mm of rain in just 12 hours—the yacht sank, prompting rapid emergency and environmental responses.
According to Environment Canterbury (ECan), the yacht was carrying approximately 1000 litres of diesel fuel and around 40 litres of hydraulic fluid at the time of sinking. Initial inspections reported no significant oil or fluid spills. Floating debris has been sighted and is currently being collected by ECan personnel, who urge the public to refrain from attempting to remove or handle any wreckage they may find along the coastline.
Rescuing Buddy
Environment Canterbury (ECan) reported that among the turmoil, a fortunate silver lining emerged. Buddy, a blue heeler dog onboard the yacht, was found safe and unharmed. ECan commander Emma Parr confirmed Buddy’s safe rescue, highlighting the relief for his owner and emergency responders alike.
“Given the conditions overnight, it’s a relief Buddy is safe. The weather made for an extremely challenging operation, and we’re grateful to everyone involved in his rescue,” Parr commented.
Environmental precautions underway
Though no significant environmental damage has been observed, ECan has initiated precautionary measures to mitigate any potential harm. Floating booms and absorbent materials are being deployed as preventive actions in the bay. Specialists are monitoring the area closely for any signs of environmental impact, with efforts ongoing to recover debris and manage any risks posed by the submerged vessel.
Wild weather shifts north
The storm responsible for sinking the yacht is now making its way northward, bringing further rainfall and high winds to regions including Kaikōura and Marlborough, and potentially affecting Wellington. The heavy rain follows an extraordinary swing in temperatures for Christchurch, which had earlier basked in balmy weather, hitting 31 degrees on Monday before plunging dramatically.
Despite easing conditions, MetService advises residents and mariners to remain cautious as unsettled weather continues along New Zealand’s east coast.
