After nearly 21 months, not a single trace of the Starling Burgess designed schooner Niña (Spanish for “little girl”), or her seven-person crew has ever been found.
The Starling Burgess designed Nina, a classic sailboat with an impeccable racing career. Where once the King of Spain went out in his launch to congratulate her on winning the 1928 New York to Santander, Spain race, was lost in a fierce storm in the Tasman Sea off of New Zealand in June of the year 2013.
The families of the Nina’s crew have since spent countless dollars conducting their own searches, and have tried to form a Petition to ask John Kerry to help save Nina’s sailors. 1,270 more signatures are needed to reach the 5,000 goal to submit to John Kerry.
MAY 29TH 2013 – Nina set sail from Opua in the Bay of Islands for their destination point Newcastle, Australia, ETA June 8th.
JUNE 4TH 2013 – The next day Meteorologist Bob McDavitt got a text, the last known communication from the boat: “ANY UPDATE 4 NINA? … EVI” McDavitt said he advised the crew to stay put and ride out the storm another day. He continued sending messages over the next few days but received no answer.
JUNE 14TH 2013 – After concerns were raised by family and friends, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) instigated a communications, using a range of communications methods to broadcast alerts to the vessel and others in the area.
JULY 25TH 2013 – A search area of 160,000 square nautical miles was covered, to the immediate north-north-east of New Zealand, based on the vessel being disabled and drifting.
JULY 5TH 2013 – The subsequent 12-day search covered 737,000 square nautical miles before being suspended. Officially, it’s deemed likely that the Niña was “overwhelmed in a catastrophic event” in gale force winds and eight-metre swells soon after June 4, and sank suddenly with the loss of all hands.
Oceans by Hillsong United has become an inspirational song for the family of crew member Danielle since their daughter disappeared with her mates. They continue to anticipate the finding of their precious daughter and the rest of the crew. They have not given up, in fact they stand stronger in their faith each day. And they thank all for believing with us.
References:
One News New Zealand:
Website
Bringing Home the Nina and Her Crew
Website
Facebook
Petition
Donations
Classic Yacht Nina:
Timeline