GM of Surf Life Saving NZ Northern region Zac Franich gives us his top tips and tricks for staying safe this summer in and around the water. Video / Carson Bluck
Two stricken boaties were plucked to safety after their vessel capsized while crossing the notorious Manukau bar this afternoon.
Just after 2pm, a member of the public contacted Coastguard’s operations centre after spotting a capsized vessel.
Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol and Coastguard Waiuku volunteers were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The Coastguard search aircraft arrived at 2.17pm, sending exact location details to Coastguard’s operations centre.
Coastguard commended the skipper’s proactive approach to safety.
The skipper had logged a bar crossing report shortly before attempting to cross the bar. Both individuals were wearing life jackets, and they had an Epirb distress beacon aboard but were unable to activate it.
“The skipper of the capsized vessel did the right thing by logging a bar crossing trip report with our operations centre at 1.44pm. Per our protocols, if we hadn’t heard from them by 2.14 pm, we would have initiated a search-and-rescue response. Luckily, a member of the public called us first.”
Coastguard praised the person who raised the alarm and the actions of the skipper, as well as staff and volunteers involved in today’s rescue. Their actions led to a quick response and successful outcome.
“Coastguard wants to remind all boaties about the importance of logging a trip report when crossing a bar, carrying two forms of waterproof communication, including an Epirb and/or a PLB, and always wearing a life jacket.”
