A New Zealander on a yacht bound for Antarctica has made recent contact to say he is OK, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says.
The man was discovered on board the yacht, Nilaya, after it left Auckland in a hurry on January 23.
Norwegians Jarle Andhoy, 34, and 19-year-old Samuel Massie, along with two crew, are attempting to sail to the Ross Sea without permission.
An MFAT spokesperson says the New Zealander has made recent contact and is fine.
"We will continue to maintain contact with his family, and remain very interested in any information which clarifies the situation."
The man is understood to have had some contact with his family.
Government agencies are considering legal options if Mr Andhoy returns to New Zealand, MFAT says.
MFAT has asked vessels in the area to notify officials if they spot the boat. The Antarctic Treaty partners have also been alerted.
The expedition is trying to find the wreckage of the Berserk II, which sank in McMurdo Sound in February last year, killing three on board.
The yacht was a supply vessel for an attempt by Mr Andhoy and Mr Massie to reach the South Pole on quad bikes.
Mr Andhoy told Norwegian media he was seeking answers to what happened to the yacht.
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