Man pulled from water after falling overboard on Auckland ferry, boat returns to Waiheke Island

A spokesperson from Coastguard said they were aware a person had gone overboard on a ferry from Waiheke this morning. Photo / Supplied.

A man has been pulled from the water after falling overboard on a ferry heading from Waiheke Island to Auckland this morning.

The incident occurred at about 7am today, causing the ferry to circle back to Waiheke Island, where police and ambulance staff quickly jumped onboard and passengers were moved to a different boat.

A Coastguard spokesperson said they were aware of the situation but were not involved in the rescue, and a police vessel had attended the emergency.

A passenger said there appeared to be a degree of difficulty in getting the man in the water back onboard the packed ferry.

“[A] member of the staff yelled out. ‘Man overboard,” the passenger said.

“We quickly slowed and circled two lifebelts with lights thrown into the water.”

The passengers were told to stay inside the cabin while the rescue operation was underway.

“He seemed calm in water, but [was] probably in shock [because] it would be cold”, the passenger said.

Police rescue boat at Waiheke Island after a man fell overboard on a ferry heading to Auckland CBD on April 29, 2025. Supplied photo

The ferry is currently heading back to Waiheke Island, and an ambulance is on standby at the island, he said.

The passenger said he had not experienced this before in his 22 years of travelling on the ferry.

“Fullers handled it swiftly and well.”

A spokesperson from Coastguard said they were aware a person had gone overboard on a ferry from Waiheke this morning. Photo / Supplied.

Police confirmed someone was located after falling in the water, but did not have further details.

Fullers360 has been approached for comment.

More to come.

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