The New Zealand air force says it has successfully assisted a yacht off Niue after a distress signal had been received.
It says an Orion aircraft found the 12-metre yacht, which had lost its mast, 75 nautical miles off Niue.
Through the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre, a fishing vessel has been directed to help the stricken yacht.
The air force has praised the yachties for using up-to-date equipment which made for an efficient and successful search.