A man, a woman and a dog have been rescued after their boat's engine failed off the treacherous Hokianga Harbour bar.
The trio went out fishing in a 4m open Mac boat about 7am on Friday, anchoring between the bar and Northwest Reef.
They planned to fish for a few hours then head back into the harbour before high tide about 10am.
![The Hokianga Coastguard in action. Photo / Peter de Graaf](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NSFRWGLWWVD77GMXXN4ONJZUGE.jpg?auth=0755ae03a3777adf97e59fcdad869f7bc12b2d936c9bbc36e7f0442f616e164c&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
However, they were unable to start the engine despite repeated attempts and called 111, Hokianga Coastguard skipper Jeff Cramp said.