At 9:39am today (20 Oct 2024) the Coastguard Operations Centre was alerted to a vessel capsizing on the Manukau Bar.
Waiuku Coastguard was immediately dispatched, and an all-stations Mayday call was broadcast over VHF. Several nearby boaties responded without hesitation, helping to recover seven people from the water.
Volunteers from Coastguard Waiuku met the assisting vessels at Little Huia to provide first aid and check the wellbeing of those rescued. Tragically one person passed away. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to their family and friends during this difficult time.
Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol searched the South Channel for the overturned boat, while Papakura Coastguard checked the front of the bar. Unfortunately, the vessel is believed to have sunk and could not be located.
At 11am, rescue vessel ‘Papakura Rescue’ was stood down, followed by Coastguard Waiuku’s ‘NZ Steel’ at 11:21am. Coastguard Auckland Air Patrol concluded their search at 11:48am.
As bars, like the Manukau Bar, can be unpredictable and dangerous, we encourage all boaties to refresh their knowledge by attending one of our Bar Awareness seminars held nationwide and online. Visit here to find out more: https://www.coastguard.nz/boating-safely/bar-awareness/
The Coastguard thanked everyone involved for their courage and quick actions which made the critical difference in this incident.
