Volunteers from Coastguard Kaikōura coordinated three separate incidents on Friday afternoon as wind and swell built faster than expected, resulting in the rescue of nine kayakers and the safe return of around 20 people.
The first calls for assistance came just before 3pm and involved three groups operating close to the coast. A pair of paddleboarders encountered difficulty as conditions deteriorated. One was assisted by a member of the public and returned safely. The other was initially reported missing, before being located ashore after being blown onto rocks and climbing clear.
Attention then turned to two groups of kayakers. One group of nine was forced ashore at Whalers Bay. Coastguard volunteers confirmed they were out of the water and safe.
The final group of nine kayakers became trapped inside Shark’s Tooth, where conditions prevented them from making progress. Coastguard Kaikōura launched their rescue vessel, took all nine kayakers onboard, and transported them safely back to South Bay.
Coastguard Kaikōura skipper Alasdair Lean said the response demonstrated the value of training and preparation.
“Our volunteers managed multiple events at once and coordinated assistance across all three groups. Everyone returned to shore safely.”
Lean also noted that those involved were wearing lifejackets and carrying appropriate communication equipment, which helped the response.
All parties were accounted for by the end of the afternoon.
