Four people rescued from vessel in Foveaux Strait

Foveaux Strait. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Four people were rescued after their vessel suffered engine failure in Foveaux Strait this morning.

About 10.15am Bluff Fishermen's Radio received a distress call from the pleasure boat Kotare, near Ruapuke Island, police said.

Search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Ian Martin said the boat's skipper and one crew member were in the water diving, and the two crew on board were unable to start the Kotare's motors.

Bluff Coastguard vessel NZAS Rescue was in Foveaux Strait training and responded immediately to Ruapuke Island, as did the Stewart Island Experience ferry Foveaux Express, which was on route to Half Moon Bay with passengers on board.

The crew on Kotare managed to securely anchor their boat.

NZAS Rescue located the divers on shore on Ruapuke Island, and another ferry, the Southern Express, eventually towed the Kotare back to Bluff Harbour.

The crew did a good job in raising the alarm early and anchoring their boat, Mr Martin said.

"Foveaux Strait is one of the more dangerous and unforgiving bodies of water in New Zealand and all boat users need to adhere to the Boating Safety Code."