Three young local men were assisted by Coastguard Bluff after becoming stranded on Tikore Spencer Island yesterday evening.
The group travelled from the Green Point carpark to the island at around 4.30pm using a kayak and a small inflatable dinghy in calm conditions. When they prepared to return at about 7pm, the wind had increased and the sea state had worsened. After reassessing the situation, they decided it was unsafe to attempt the crossing back to Bluff.
At around 7.45pm, the men contacted Coastguard Northern Communications to request assistance.
A Bluff Rescue crew responded soon after, supported by a South Port maintenance vessel. The men made their location clear by moving to higher ground and using the lights on their mobile phones.
Coastguard used a small runabout to ferry the three men back to Bluff Rescue. All were returned safely to shore, with no injuries reported.
Coastguard Bluff acknowledged the sound decisions made, including not attempting the crossing, calling for help early, and maintaining communication throughout the response.
