A rescue helicopter has been called in to help look for a yacht in trouble. Photo / Flightradar24
A search and rescue operation is underway for a yacht missing in the Cook Strait this evening.
Police are working with Coastguard and Maritime New Zealand to find the vessel after it was reported to be in trouble.
A New Zealand Defence Force spokesperson said they are also responding to the search and rescue operation.
“Crew on a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A are launching an aerial search while Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Taupō is also in the area after responding to mayday broadcasts earlier this afternoon,” they said.
“The vessel with one person on board has reported becoming lost while en route to Wellington Harbour.”
The Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter has been tracked circling the area.
A spokesperson for Coastguard said their team in Wellington is on standby and ready to help search for the yacht if called upon.
Maritime NZ referred any comment to police.
More to come...