A yacht that first attempted to enter Avatiu harbour yesterday morning and was told to leave, attempted to re-enter in the afternoon, Secretary of Transport John Hosking confirmed in a statement last night.

The yacht named “Pebbles” is registered in Germany and is being crewed by a Bulgarian national (male).

It’s last port of entry was in French Polynesia and the next port of call is thought to be Fiji. The yacht has been at sea for 30 days.

The crew member, who is unvaccinated, has reported auto pilot and engine problems in an attempt to come ashore.

The Cook Islands border remains closed and the yacht and its sole crew member have been denied entry by border officials.

“Border agencies will continue to monitor the situation,” Hosking said.