Pirate attack victims proud Kiwis says sailor who met them on the high seas

Tuesday, 7 May 2019

The boat of Alan Culverwell, left, moored in Allen Cay in the Bahamas in 2017. Grant Hutchings took this shot from his own vessel while sailing there with his son.

Seeing the silver fern onboard the boat of slain New Zealand sailor Alan Culverwell was a sight one Waikawa man will never forget.

Culverwell, 60, died while defending his wife, Derryn, and their two 11-year-old children near Morodub island in Panama last week.

Grant Hutchings was boating with his son in the Bahamas in 2017 when he met the family.

Having spent the day sightseeing, Hutchings was moored in Allen Cay when he saw the family come around the bay.

**READ MORE:

Alan Culverwell died in Panama while defending his family from armed robbers who boarded their yacht. He is pictured here with his wife, Derryn, who was injured during the attack.

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* Pirates kill NZ man in Panama**

He said he spotted the Culverwell's boat instantly, as they had a large silver fern flag displayed on the top of their boat.

'I just thought it was fantastic to see,' Hutchings said.

He talked to the family about what they were doing and where they were headed.

At the time, the Culverwells were 'buddy boating' with another couple.

Culverwell was a proud Kiwi who was on the trip of a lifetime.

'It was wonderful to hear their enthusiasm, it must've been early in their trip,' Hutchings said.

He also photographed the Culverwell's boat, which the family purchased in Florida before doing it up for their life on the water.

He described the Culverwells as a lovely couple who displayed themselves proudly as kiwis.

'What they were doing was perfect.'

Hutchings said he was always careful with his boat and would lock everything down, but he would never expect anyone to come onto his deck.

'I'm a bit shattered to know the outcome of what was meant to be their perfect trip.'

A fundraising page set up at www.gofundme.com, has raised more than $20,000 from people around the world to help with the logistical challenges of dealing with an horrific event far from the family's home in New Zealand.

Michelle Perry, who set the page up, said the Culverwells were 'without a doubt the kindest and most genuine family we have ever met'.

Derryn and her daughter have been released from hospital following injuries they sustained in the attack.

Three people have been arrested in relation to the attack. One, a teenager, has reportedly been given provisional detention for his involvement.