Missing Diver

Missing Diver - Goat Island

September’s missing diver story attracted a lot of media coverage and we would like to share a view from Luke McCarthy - Search & Rescue Coordinator at Coastguard NZ and a member of our local Coastguard Kawau unit.

I’d like to personally thank the Kawau Rescue crew (supported by Hibiscus 1 from Gulf Harbour) and our Operations staff for your outstanding work during tonight’s incident at Goat Island, often incidents like this don't end well and they don’t get the attention they deserve when they do, and this one truly stood out for me.

As the SAR Coordinator in the ops room, I had the privilege of watching and contributing to the unfolding incident and was impressed by the clear and professional communication in all areas - between Kawau Rescue and the Police Eagle Helicopter, the Ops room and the CRVs as well as the distress relays consistently being broadcast.

The way this one played out was textbook calm, coordinated, and clearly effective.

In all honesty when first briefed it seemed like a positive outcome was unlikely given the time in the water, wind direction and visibility. However, with thanks to everyone involved there is one person heading home alive and well tonight. There’s no doubt your quick professional response made all the difference.

 Driving home tonight after the incident, I couldn’t stop thinking about how this incident showed Coastguard at its absolute best. All the training, the callouts, the fundraising, the long days, and nights when nothing happens on the water or in the ops room. It all feels worth it when, at 9 p.m. on a Monday evening, the call comes in and within no time someone is found, taken onboard safe and well and returned to their family.

Truly an incredible effort by all (Kawau Rescue, Hibiscus Rescue 1, Police Eagle, Police Maritime, Ops Staff- Melissa, Georgia and Fiona)  

You saved another life tonight