Capsize – 04/26/2015 – 19:15 to

It was reported to Maritime Radio and the Police that a 4.5m aluminuim dingy was in trouble outside Ohiwa Bar.  At 1920hr Whakatane Rescue was tasked to assist and was on water at 1934hr.  On arrival at Ohiwa it was found that the boat in distress was actually inside the bar.  Sea conditions were reasonable with a 11kt wind from the north and 0.5-1m swell. The tide was one hour after low tide so the bar was shallow with incoming tide which meant that Whakatane Rescue would have trouble manoeuvring on the bar.  A local jetski owner who was very familiar with the bar was arranged to assist the boat in trouble. The Awanui (our small rescue boat) was prepared for launching in case it was needed. At 2036hr the Jetski had the dingy under tow and returned it to the Ohiwa Boat ramp at 2036. Whakatane Rescue returned to port at 2037hr.  The Jetski returned to Ohope Boat ramp at 2048hr and Maritime Radio and Police were notified that the event was resolved at 2051hr.