A large Israeli-registered yacht has run aground on Arutua atoll in French Polynesia, causing one injury.
The double-masted ketch Lorraine D contacted the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Tahiti, which arranged for the Arutua administration to help the five on board.
A cargo ship in the area had been diverted but couldn't assist.
The yacht's owner has been given formal notice to proceed with arranging the ship's rescue.
Shen Gang Shun 1 stuck on reef of Arutua Photo: supplied
The steel vessel is said to be about 20 metres long and weighs 60 tons.
It stranded near the wreck of the Chinese fishing vessel Shen Gang Shun 1, which ran aground on Arutua two years ago.
Attempts to refloat it were unsuccessful, but most of the 250 tonnes of fuel and its catch could be removed, and the wreck is awaiting crews to dismantle it.
In the abandoned vessel, rescuers discovered frozen sharks stitched up with cut-off fins inside.
This prompted a complaint because in French Polynesia it is forbidden to possess or transport protected species, such as sharks, be they dead or alive.
