What began as a simple morning refuel for three crew on Circa Rescue changed in an instant. They had only just tied up at Marsden Cove when Channel 16 broke through with a sharp, crackling call: “Mayday Relay, person in the water, port lateral, Parua Bay.”
Circa was already moving before the full message had finished. The crew eased out of the marina at the required 3 knots, pushing as quickly as they could while staying inside the speed zone. Ahead of them, the Customs vessel Hawke 5 had responded at speed and reached the scene first.
Customs found the man in the water, conscious but extremely cold. Circa came alongside within moments to assist. The crews worked together to start warming him and assess his condition, then transferred him onto Circa for the run to the Parua Bay boat ramp, where St John crews were waiting. Paramedics took over from there and transported him to Whangārei Hospital.
Before returning to base, Circa Rescue also helped recover the man’s boat and secure it on a trailer.
Once the harbour settled and the urgency eased, the message onboard Circa was simple. Maydays don’t give a warning. Being fuelled, ready, and already on the water made the difference that morning.
