Praise for rescuers as victims of boat tragedy named

Terangi Woonton, 59, known as 'Toots', was one of two men who died when their boat overturned at the Manukau Bar yesterday.

One of the men who died while crossing the Manukau Bar yesterday has been described as "an awesome husband, dad and grandad" by his family.

Terangi Woonton, 59, known as 'Toots', died alongside Kairangi Samuela, 53, after their boat was overturned by a wave as they returned from a fishing trip yesterday afternoon.

Mr Woonton's son Jason today paid tribute to his father, saying his two passions in life were fishing and his family.

Rescue helicopter services were called out to help yesterday. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

He was "was an awesome husband, dad and grandad", Jason Woonton said in a statement provided to NZME. News Service.

"He was a welder by trade and a very hard worker. To his friends and family, he was always willing to lend a hand and help out, and his genorosity was well known.

"He loved to fish, but not as much as he loved to spend time with his two grandchildren.

"We loved him very much and we still can't quite believe this has happened."

Jason said his father was someone who didn't want any "fuss" in life, and "I'm sure he wouldn't want the fuss now, so we thank everyone for their support at this time but wish to be left alone to grieve peacefully".

Mr Woonton and Mr Samuela were among five fishermen who were on their way back from a fishing trip yesterday afternon, when their 5m aluminium boat was flipped by a large wave as they crossed the Manukau Bar about 2pm.

All five were thrown into the water, and were forced to spend around two hours trying to stay afloat before they were rescued by a passing boat. All were wearing life jackets at the time.

Three others, aged 34, 47, and 49, were still being treated in hospital, police said.

Police today praised the rescuers for saving the lives of the three remaining boaties.

"The effort this group put in to rescue the three survivors and recover the two bodies is outstanding," Detective Sergeant Alisse Robertson said. "Their heroic work should not go unmentioned

"This is a tragic incident to have occurred for these men and their families. We are doing everything we can to support these families at this time.".

Police coastal master at the Auckland Police maritime unit, Senior Constable Garry Larsen, said bar crossings can be dangerous if appropriate precautions are not made.

"In the right conditions, crossing the Manukau Bar isn't a problem. However there are things all boaties need to keep in mind, such as the power of the water compared to the power of your boat and the level of the water as it crosses the bar," he said.

"In an area like the Manukau Bar, the swell can reach speeds of up to 20 knots.

"One thing we recommend when making a bar crossing is to log your position with Coastguard. Additionally if your skipper isn't experienced with bar crossings it can be a good idea to get some advice from Coastguard or boaties who are local to the area."

The boat has yet to be recovered from the Manukau Bar.

The scene of the rescue. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust