A recent search and rescue training exercise simulated almost exactly the scenario crews would face for real early this morning in Wairoa Bay, and for both Northland Police and Coastguard Bay of Islands, that preparation made all the difference.
“We just had training in the exact location and so it was all pretty fresh in our minds,” said Coastguard Bay of Islands Skipper Rafe Tollemache. “Our crew were able to get there quickly. We dropped everything and got there in good time.” Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police’s Search and Rescue lead, echoed the sentiment. “Undergoing that training paid dividends during this rescue,” he said.
From the moment Police received the first report at 6.45am to the moment the last of three missing men was pulled to safety, less than two hours passed. It was enough time, just, to bring all three men home alive.
The response drew on a wide network of agencies. Coastguard Bay of Islands volunteers aboard Bay Rescue 2 headed to the scene immediately after Police alerted the Coastguard National Operations Centre at around 7am, joining the Auckland-based Heli Med helicopter, Far North LandSAR, Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Maritime and Northern Rescue in a coordinated operation. Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Chief Aircrew Officer Ati Wynyard described it as another example of agencies pulling together to head off potential tragedy.
The incident began around 3am, when a large wave struck a 12-foot aluminium dinghy carrying three men on a late-night fishing trip, causing it to rapidly fill with water and sink. None of the men were wearing life jackets. One managed to swim to shore near the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, but his two crewmates were left unaccounted for, last seen clinging to a chilly bin somewhere out in the bay. It would be nearly three and a half hours before the survivor raised the alarm.
Once the call came in, the search moved quickly. Shortly after 8am, an officer who had borrowed a motorbike from Bayleys Farm to run shoreline checks found one of the missing men, cold but uninjured. Less than an hour later, Heli Med located the third man on rocks near Bayleys Farm. He was winched into the helicopter and taken for treatment, where he was assessed with minor injuries.
Tollemache said the pair were fortunate the outcome wasn’t far worse. “They were pretty lucky, especially with no lifejackets. They were lucky it happened at this time of year with warmer water and early light on their side.”
Detective Sergeant Overton was unequivocal about how close it came. “I cannot stress just how incredibly lucky these three men are. This situation could have had a dire outcome and we’re thankful we’ve been able to return these men back to their loved ones.”
He also pointed to a sobering statistic: most recreational boating deaths occur close to shore in small craft. His message to boaties was clear, check the marine forecast, wear a life jacket, carry two waterproof ways to call for help, and always tell someone where you are going. “We cannot say it enough.”
Tollemache added his own word of caution, particularly around night fishing. “Think twice before going fishing at night, know the abilities of yourself and your boat. It’s also really important to wear your lifejackets at all times.”
The details were shared by Northland Police via Facebook at 1.08pm today, and Coastguard New Zealand on Facebook at 6:17pm.
