At around 1:30pm, the Coastguard National Operations Centre received a distress call on VHF Channel 16 from the two people onboard the vessel. The catamaran’s anchor had failed, and the anchor chain had wrapped around the propeller, leaving the crew without engine power. With no propulsion available, the vessel began drifting toward other boats in the harbour.
Coastguard Whitianga volunteers were tasked and responded promptly. Their rescue vessel, Te Morehu Rescue, came alongside the catamaran to assess the situation and determine the level of risk.
On inspection, volunteers found the anchor chain was fouled not only around the propeller, but also around a nearby mooring. A second anchor had been deployed from the bow, which meant the vessel was no longer drifting and was holding position. While the immediate danger had eased, the situation remained complex, with compromised anchoring and no engine available.
The volunteers discussed the potential risks of remaining in place with the crew, including the possibility of further anchor failure or worsening conditions. After those conversations, the two people on board chose to stay with the vessel.
With the situation stabilised and no immediate threat to the catamaran or nearby boats, Te Morehu Rescue returned to shore at around 3:00pm.
The incident serves as a reminder that anchor failures and fouled running gear can escalate rapidly, particularly in busy harbours. The Coastguard continues to encourage boaties to maintain reliable ground tackle, keep propellers and shafts clear, and monitor Channel 16 at all times.
