Solo kayaker Scott Donaldson has abandoned his attempt to cross the Tasman; the Herald reports:
Kayaker Scott Donaldson has abandoned his attempt to cross the Tasman Sea after being injured in horrendous conditions last night.
Donaldson suffered injuries to his face and chest overnight when his kayak rolled three times and the restraint he uses inside the cabin failed.
The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre confirmed Donaldson has requested a rescue today.
A spokeswoman said a rescue helicopter was preparing to go out to reach him at his location around 90km west of Pungarehu adjacent to the west coast of Taranaki.
Senior Search and Rescue officer for the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) Kevin Banaghan said Donaldson was expected to be winched from his kayak by mid-afternoon.
Mr Banaghan said Donaldson had "declared his situation unsafe"
As difficult as it must have been to make the decision to abandon, it is the right decision.There is another storm moving in, and he must be getting sick of being at the mercy of the seas now.
We commend Scott Donaldson for giving the solo crossing a go. We guess however that the dramas he has experienced in the last couple of weeks show why it is a feat which has never previously been achieved.
