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Police say the Police Eagle helicopter crew had their work cut out during Labour Weekend, assisting with a number of water rescues across Auckland.
On Saturday evening, police say they received a report of a boat that had capsized near Kawakawa Bay.
Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, of the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre, says the two people were reportedly in the water with no lifejackets and appeared to be in distress.
“Eagle arrived on the scene quickly, where they immediately located the capsized vessel and established that the two men had swam back to a secluded area of shoreline.
“Thankfully both were unharmed and were able to communicate that, along with their location, to all involved in the rescue,” says Larsen.
“It was a lucky outcome for both men, and for our crews.”
A short time later, at about 6.40pm, police say they received a report of a diver missing in the Manukau Harbour.
“Eagle were tasked to conduct a shoreline search of the inner Awhitu Peninsula,” Larsen says.
Due to the outgoing tide, Eagle expanded its search, including a drying area east of the diver’s original last known position.
“After an hour of searching, the pilot saw a light flashing from the water.
“They got overhead and confirmed it was the missing diver.
“The crew hovered above, indicating his position to nearby coastguard vessels who were able to uplift him.”
Larsen says the diver was cold but otherwise uninjured.
“Without locating him before nightfall, the search would have become increasingly difficult and the likelihood of finding him would have decreased.
“This is a great example of some of the exceptional work our Eagle crew does day in and day out.
“It’s also a timely reminder as the weather gets warmer and more people head out onto the water to ensure they are prepared.
Police are urging all water users to:
- Inspect vessels or kayaks thoroughly – check fuel lines, batteries, ignition systems, and safety gear.
- Test communications – ensure VHF radios work, and phones are charged and waterproofed.
- Know weather forecasts – conditions can change rapidly.
- Wear lifejackets and ensure they’re correctly fitted and are in service.
- Carry the essentials – flares, extra clothing, and emergency supplies.
- Have a plan – tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
- Carry an EPIRB or PLB – if going out of mobile phone or VHF range, a beacon may become a lifeline.
- Become a member of Coastguard.
Police say anyone who gets into trouble is reminded to call 111 as soon as possible, as it will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity.
- For an earlier Times’ story about the rescued diver in the Manukau Harbour, read: https://centraltimes.co.nz/overdue-diver-rescued-from-manukau-harbour/
