On this wild, blustery day...

There is no doubt two people owe their lives to someone ashore at Tawharanui, who observed a 32ft Catamaran overturning and quickly phoned 111.

By 11am, Police and Coastguard worked together to rapidly deploy Kawau Rescue and the Eagle helicopter.

The helicopter spotted 2 people in a 3m inflatable dinghy, being blown eastwards in rough seas, at a rapid rate.

The circling helicopter guided Kawau Rescue to the dinghy, by then east of Takatu Point, and both were quickly pulled aboard.

As their boat had flipped over suddenly, they were wearing only the clothes they had on at the time, and were already extremely cold, and scared. With winds of 35 knots, gusting 45, conditions on scene were tricky.

Once the two were on board Kawau Rescue, our crew retrieved their dinghy, and helped them into some warm, dry clothing (kindly sponsored by Warkworth Hunting & Fishing - legends!) .

We then had a more sedate trip back to Sandspit wharf, to meet the ambulance and ground based police staff. Given the car keys, phone etc are all on board the upturned boat, the owner will have a lot of sorting out to do.

Thanks to many:

- our crew of Paul S, Dave, Neale and Glenn for some great teamwork, and Tractor Al, who is definitely missing his Landini, but is progressing towards "Airy Al" instead!

- the Eagle helicopter - love you guys, and the photo!

- and Warkworth Hunting & Fishing - for those woollies!

 

Would you know what to do in a sudden emergency like this???

Check out: "Suddenly in Charge"

This Workshop is for folks who are not normally in charge of the boat, but may be put in this position if something happens to the skipper. See full details here: