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Three kayakers are safely back on dry land after a chilly afternoon on the water ended with an unexpected rescue from the Eagle helicopter crew earlier this afternoon, September 19.
Police were first made aware of the trio capsizing shortly before 1pm off Maraetai Coast Road, the Auckland Maritime Unit’s Senior Constable, Hayden Hall confirms.
“Eagle was quickly overhead and located the kayakers in the water. With the water temperature sitting at around 16 degrees, one member of the Eagle crew entered the water and stayed with the group for approximately five minutes while the Police Maritime Unit and Coastguard made their way to the scene,” he says.
“It appears all three were ill-prepared. Two kayakers were wearing poorly fitted lifejackets, while another put one on after being instructed to by Eagle. Thanks to a solid coordinated response from Eagle, the Maritime Unit and Coastguard, all three kayakers made it safely back to shore, with one suffering with hypothermia.”
The kayakers were lucky given the windy and cold conditions, Hall says.
This is a timely reminder that the conditions on the water can change quickly, and even a short time in cold water can be dangerous. If you’re heading out on the water, wear a properly fitted lifejacket, check the weather and marine conditions, and let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.”
