By Jane Luscombe
A 17-year-old Auckland girl has been rescued after a ship carrying dozens of teenagers sank off Brazil.
The tall ship S V Concordia was 550km south-east of Rio de Janeiro when it capsized in rough seas.
Long Bay College student, Mei Barry, was one of 64 people who spent 16 hours in rafts, being tossed about by rough seas.
Mei had never sailed before, but was about to spend a year on the ship. She had been scared about the trip, not knowing anyone on board or how to sail.
In an interview with 3 News today, Mei’s father Desmond told how letting her get on board the ship was one of the hardest things he has done.
“As a father, actually letting her go on the boat, knowing and seeing in her eyes how scared she was,” he says.
At 5.30pm last night Mr Barry received the news that Mei’s boat was in heavy waves and had sent out a distress beacon.
For nine hours, Mei’s parents didn’t know whether their daughter was dead or alive.
“I was praying for the best, but I also understood it could be the worst,” Mr Barry says.
With conditions too rough for helicopter rescue, the crew waited in rafts before being picked up by merchant ships.
It wasn’t until 1am Saturday that Mr Barry and his wife, Yoshiko, found out everyone was safe.
“When I get to see her it’s like ‘hey, we love you and we miss you a lot and… live life,” says Mr Barry, visibly distraught.
Mei’s parents say if she wants, they will allow their daughter to continue her adventure on another ship.
3 News