When Don Hyland's 12.5m launch named Game Buoy hit a submerged rock - ironically nicknamed Insurance Rock - near Motiti Island and began taking on water his heart sunk.
But having been a member of the Coastguard for 23 years, the Welcome Bay local knew he could rely on Tauranga Coastguard to come to his rescue.
On November 30 last year Mr Hyland said he and his fishing buddies were competing in a big game fishing competition, but after the weather deteriorated they had sought shelter on the eastern side of Motiti Island.
"I always knew the rock was there but it was submerged in the high tide. Just before the launch hit the rocks we were talking about the Rena disaster and the Resolution tug and I was momentarily distracted. It's quite embarrassing, really," he said
Mr Hyland said Game Buoy's rudder was wrenched back and a small hole formed after a bolt on the rudder was yanked out. One of the shafts and a strut on the vessel were bent and one of the propellers "looked like a cabbage".